Scientists from the Nekton Maldives Mission have discovered a new area full of life at a depth of 500m. The area dubbed the Trapping Zone is likely to be previously unknown, according to the Nekton Maldives Mission.
Professor Alex Rogers, who has spent extensive time in submersibles identifying the Trapping Zone believed to exist in deep ocean areas, explained that the ecosystem of the oceans is based on the depths and other characteristics of the areas. He said the Trapping Zone would create a vibrant environment in the deep seas and it is likely that similar areas would exist on other small island nations like the Maldives
Although the trapping of small organisms in the sea is known to encourage the regeneration of various fish populations in the areas, Nekton has never linked the trapping to the geomorphology and biological parameters of islands in a country like the Maldives.
Videos taken in the study from sinking submersibles and extensive sonar mapping work in the survey area showed sharks and another large fish feeding on various small organisms or micro nekton trapped between shallow areas or in the subsea landscape. Sharks in the lowlands of the sea are extensively studied in the Maldives. However, no previous studies have been conducted on marine shark species. Nekton has identified information about various species of sharks living in the deep seas of the Maldives
Speaking on the research conducted by the Nekton Maldives Mission, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih said the discovery of the Trapping Zone teeming with life under the sea around the Maldives is a remarkable discovery. He said that the zone is expected to facilitate the sustainability of the fisheries and tourism sector of the Maldives and that the new information will strengthen efforts to manage marine resources in a sustainable manner and protect areas.
Analysis of the video and biological data collected in the study is ongoing in the Maldives, at the Nekton headquarters at Oxford University, and in the laboratories of other partners involved in the study. The results of the study will be useful for other island countries like the Maldives. In addition, the study is important for sustaining fisheries and protecting against climate change.