PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad and Tobago – 10th June 2026
For the first time, local scientists will lead a scientific expedition to explore the deep waters of Trinidad and Tobago (T&T). The team, which is led by Dr. Diva Amon of SpeSeas and UWI, and includes local and international marine scientists, will sail aboard Schmidt Ocean Institute’s world-renowned Research Vessel Falkor (too), which arrives in T&T waters on 20 June 2026. This expedition will place T&T at the centre of global ocean exploration and discovery.
The arrival signals a rare and historic opportunity for the country to host one of the most advanced ocean research platforms on Earth: a floating laboratory responsible for groundbreaking discoveries in some of the planet’s least explored regions. Trinbagonian Dr. Amon serves as Chief Scientist of this expedition, while other Co-Principal Investigators include Dr. Anjani Ganase (IMA, T&T), Dr. La Daana Kanhai (UWI, St. Augustine, T&T), Dr. Megan Conkling (Florida Atlantic University, USA), Dr. Rachel Lauer (University of Calgary, Canada) and Dr. Anna Metaxas (Dalhousie University, Canada). Key collaborators include Dr. Katy Croff Bell (Ocean Discovery League, USA), Dr. Juliano Palacios Abrantes (University of British Colombia, Canada), Dr. Shirley Pomponi (USA), and Dr. Farahnaz Solomon (IMA, T&T).
Over a month (29 June to 28 July 2026), the team will study fragile and never-before-seen marine ecosystems. The expedition, and all its discoveries, will be livestreamed on Schmidt Ocean Institute’s YouTube and Twitch channels, so everyone from T&T and anywhere in the world with an internet connection can follow along.
The visit is a defining moment for the nation’s scientific and environmental future.
“As Minister with responsibility for the environment, I fully endorse this deep-sea exploration of Trinidad and Tobago’s marine space. It will provide high-resolution mapping of our seafloor, data on our marine biodiversity, insights into our marine ecosystems, and more. I do not think of this historic venture as a ship arriving; it is Trinidad and Tobago stepping onto the global stage of exploration. It is also a powerful reminder that discovery is not distant; it is happening here. This expedition will inspire our young people, strengthen our scientific skills and partnerships, while deepening our understanding of the waters that shape the present into our future,” said Senator the Hon. Dr. Kennedy Swaratsingh.
Ninety-three percent of T&T’s marine jurisdiction lies below recreational scuba depths (>40 metres), making the mesophotic and deep ocean the nation’s largest ecosystems. But far less than one percent has ever been seen or scientifically explored.
Chief Scientist of the expedition, marine biologist Dr. Diva Amon of SpeSeas said, “This expedition is an unprecedented opportunity to uncover the mysteries of our ocean, while creating opportunities for national engagement in science, education and environmental stewardship. For young people, it’s a spark, a chance to dream big, to imagine themselves as scientists, explorers, and guardians of the ocean. For all of us, it’s a moment to feel pride, wonder, and excitement for the possibilities that lie beneath the waves.”
This expedition provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for local T&T scientists to advance knowledge about their marine environment by utilizing equipment from a state-of-the-art research vessel. This includes 11 students, eight of whom are from UWI, who will be on board.
The Dean of the Faculty of Science and Technology at UWI, St. Augustine, Professor Adesh Ramsubhag noted, “The expedition presents an exciting opportunity for our scientists to conduct basic research in the deep waters of Trinidad and Tobago, including the discovery of unique and novel life forms. This can, in turn, serve as a platform for applied research such as the discovery of new drug compounds from these organisms”.
Beyond science, the outreach initiatives around this expedition presents the opportunity to spark curiosity and awe among all citizens about T&T’s largest ecosystem, the deep sea. Scientists aboard the vessel will also collaborate with regional stakeholders, reinforcing T&T’s role as a leader in Caribbean marine research.
Director of the IMA, Dr. Ava Maxam, said, “The IMA was pleased to be participating in the expedition, advancing scientific exploration of largely unmapped ocean ecosystems. Using cutting-edge technologies, the mission will generate science critical to sustainable ocean management, inform EEZ monitoring, and contribute to national development. Very inspiring in shaping our stewardship of the ocean and global scientific efforts.”
SpeSeas, a T&T marine NGO, will lead “Deep Wonders of Trinidad and Tobago and the High Seas” from 29th June to 28th July 2026.
Schmidt Ocean Institute is a 501(c)(3) private non-profit foundation dedicated to advancing oceanographic research and the sharing of ocean knowledge.
This expedition is also supported by The University of the West Indies St. Augustine; Institute of Marine Affairs; Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, Florida Atlantic University, USA; University of Calgary, Canada; Dalhousie University, Canada; Ocean Discovery League, USA; Museo Nacional De Ciencias Naturales–Universidad Autónoma De Madrid, Spain; University of Plymouth, UK, Pure Ocean, France; the National Geographic Society; The Pew Charitable Trusts, USA; and the Explorers Club, USA.
Media Kit
- 📸 Imagery: Research Vessel Falkor (too) and Remotely Operated Vehicle SuBastian
- 📸 Imagery: Deep-Sea Animals
- 🗺️ Imagery attribution
- 📝 Factsheet/Backgrounder
For media enquiries, please contact:
Dr. Diva Amon, SpeSeas, divaamon@gmail.com, +1-868-790-3207
Ms. Josann Greene, Marketing and Communications, The UWI, St. Augustine, josann.greene@uwi.edu
Krystal Chandler-Ganaselal, Information Centre, Institute of Marine Affairs, Tel: (868) 634-4292 ext 2415 / 299-0406 Fax: (868) 634-4433; Krystal.Ganaselal@ima.gov.tt
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