Deep Wonders of Trinidad and Tobago and the High Seas

Exploring the hidden depths of Trinidad and Tobago’s ocean.

From 29 June to 28 July 2026, scientists from Trinidad and Tobago and around the world will embark on the country’s first Trinidad and Tobago-led scientific expedition to explore the nation’s deep waters aboard Schmidt Ocean Institute’s state-of-the-art research vessel, RV Falkor (too).

Through cutting-edge technology, international collaboration, and real-time public engagement, the expedition will uncover new knowledge about one of Trinidad and Tobago’s least understood ecosystems while inspiring the next generation of ocean explorers.

About the Expedition

A Landmark Moment for Ocean Science

Deep Wonders of Trinidad and Tobago and the High Seas is the first Trinidad and Tobago-led scientific expedition dedicated to exploring the country’s deep waters.

Although nearly 93% of Trinidad and Tobago’s marine jurisdiction lies below recreational scuba depths and almost 70% qualifies as deep sea, these ecosystems remain among the least explored in the nation.

Over one month, scientists will investigate deep-sea biodiversity, map previously unexplored habitats, study ecosystem connectivity, and generate critical scientific information to support ocean stewardship, conservation, and future research.

The expedition brings together local and international scientists, engineers, students, communicators, and ocean advocates aboard the RV Falkor (too), one of the world’s most advanced ocean research vessels.

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Why This Expedition Matters

This expedition will help:

• Improve understanding of Trinidad and Tobago’s deep ocean ecosystems
• Document marine biodiversity and potentially discover species new to science
• Generate data to support evidence-based ocean management and conservation
• Build local scientific capacity through training and international collaboration
• Inspire curiosity, education, and ocean stewardship across Trinidad and Tobago and the wider Caribbean

Watch the Expedition Live

One of the most exciting aspects of Deep Wonders is that everyone can follow the journey.

Throughout the expedition, underwater exploration will be livestreamed via Schmidt Ocean Institute’s YouTube and Twitch channels, allowing audiences around the world to watch discoveries unfold in real time and even submit questions directly to the science team.

Watch live from 29 June – 28 July 2026

Meet the Expedition Team

The people behind the mission.

From scientists and engineers to students, communicators, and collaborators, this expedition team brings together a wide range of expertise from Trinidad and Tobago and beyond. Together, they are working to explore the deep ocean, uncover new knowledge, and share discoveries with the world in real time.

Latest News & Updates

From ship to seafloor, follow the expedition as it unfolds.

Get the latest stories, discoveries, media updates, and announcements from the Deep Wonders of Trinidad and Tobago and the High Seas expedition in real time.

Join our WhatsApp Channel and stay connected to every step of the journey.

From Research to Discovery

The following video highlights findings from one of the most comprehensive assessments of Trinidad and Tobago’s deep-sea biodiversity to date, led by SpeSeas Associate Member Jaime-Leigh Lue Chin and colleagues.

The research paper, A Baseline Assessment of Deep-Sea Biodiversity, and Guide for Future Actions to Inform Stewardship, in Trinidad and Tobago (Lue Chin et al., Discover Oceans, 2026), examines what we currently know about Trinidad and Tobago’s deep sea, identifies critical knowledge gaps, and underscores the urgent need for further exploration. It provides an important scientific foundation for the Deep Wonders of Trinidad and Tobago and the High Seas expedition and the discoveries that lie ahead.

@speseas_tt

How much do we really know about the deep sea surrounding Trinidad and Tobago? 🌊 The answer: not nearly enough. Research published by Lue Chin (@jaimeleighmarie) et al. (2026) shows that much of T&T’s deep ocean remains unexplored, including vast areas where no biological research has ever been conducted. Yet every survey continues to reveal new species and new insights, suggesting that much of the biodiversity in our deep waters remains undiscovered. As we prepare for the very first T&T-led expedition – Deep Wonders of Trinidad and Tobago and the High Seas – studies like these remind us why deep-sea research is so important. There is still so much left to learn beneath the surface. 🔬✨ Source: Lue Chin et al. (2026), “A Baseline Assessment of Deep-Sea Biodiversity, and Guide for Future Actions to Inform Stewardship, in Trinidad and Tobago, ” Discover Oceans #DeepSea #SpeSeas #TrinidadAndTobago #DeepWonders #Ocean

♬ original sound – SpeSeas_tt

Resources

Download expedition resources and learn more.

• Press Releases
• Media Kit
• Expedition Fact Sheet
• Scientific Publications
• Photo Gallery
• Videos

Partners

Deep Wonders of Trinidad and Tobago and the High Seas is led by SpeSeas and made possible through collaboration with an incredible network of national and international partners.

Join the Journey

There is still so much left to discover beneath the surface.

Whether you’re a student, educator, scientist, policymaker, or simply curious about our ocean, we invite you to follow along as Trinidad and Tobago embarks on one of the most significant scientific expeditions in its history.

Together, let’s explore the deep.