Trinbagonian scientists aboard the research vessel Falkor (too) have begun exploring the deep waters of Trinidad and Tobago to establish ecological baselines.
This comes as international leaders negotiate potential deep-sea seabed mining regulations in Kingston, Jamaica.
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According to the Schmidt Ocean Institute, roughly 93 percent of Trinidad and Tobago's marine jurisdiction extends past recreational diving depths.
This leaves most regional aquatic ecosystems unmapped and unobserved by researchers.
Scientists caution that commercial extraction projects involving polymetallic nodules and cobalt-rich crusts risk damaging uncharted habitats.
These habitats play key roles in carbon storage, nutrient cycling, and climate regulation.
"There is so much left to discover," said Dr. Diva Amon, Chief Scientist of the Deep Wonders of T&T Expedition.
The month-long research expedition aims to document unknown species and assess localized human impacts across the seabed.
The goal is to help policymakers structure potential future marine protected areas.
"The biggest misconception is that it is empty ... that could not be further from the truth," said Dr. Amon.
Proponents of seabed mining argue that demand for critical battery metals like nickel, copper, and manganese will expand during global transitions away from fossil fuels.
"We are exploring so that we can better steward," said Dr. Amon.
Ocean governance experts highlight that significant scientific knowledge gaps remain regarding how deep-sea exploitation might affect long-term biodiversity.
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"By gathering the scientific data ...
