Maldives and Seychelles are set to collaborate on a major marine research expedition.

In a press statement released by the President's Office, the Maldivian government announced the joint research expedition set to launch in Seychelles on March 16th 2020.

The President's Office stated that the joint marine research expedition titled ‘First Descent: Midnight Zone’ is a 35-day mission to explore and conserve the Indian Ocean. A team of 50 international scientists, technicians, media and crew from Nekton, a UK charitable research institute, and the University of Oxford will research seamounts in the ocean depths between 1000 metres and 4000 metres, otherwise known as the Midnight Zone.

The expedition is one of many research projects lead by Nekton to document changes beneath the waves across the Indian Ocean as part of efforts to protect 30% of the ocean by 2030, revealed the Presidents Office.

Further, scientists from Seychelles and the Maldives will be participating in this expedition which will use the latest deep-diving technology and tools.

As such, the President's Office highlights that the expedition’s Mothership, DSSV Pressure Drop, and submersible had completed sea trials in the Mediterranean before joining prior to the expedition.

The President's Office also disclosed that the expedition was undertaken by the Maldives to bolster Maldives Blue Prosperity, in collaboration with the Blue Prosperity Coalition.