The African Network of Deep-water Researchers (ANDR)

The African Network of
Deep-water Researchers (ANDR)

Promoting African leadership in deep-water research

Africa is a continent rich in marine biodiversity and resources, with great potential to support a thriving and equitable economy through sustainable development. Deep-water industries like fisheries or oil and gas, as well as emerging seabed extractive activities and marine bioprospecting, are key Blue Economy sectors dependent on healthy and diverse ecosystems. Sustainable development of these sectors requires a deep understanding of natural ecosystems so that economic activities can be responsibly managed and vital services provided by our oceans can be protected.

Africa lacks capacity for deep-sea and offshore research, a critical limitation in the management of key deep-water Blue Economy sectors. Building on and strengthening Africa’s capacity to undertake research and generate knowledge of our important deep-water ecosystems is crucial to support the continent’s sustainable development objectives. In this context, the African Network of Deep-water Researchers (ANDR) was conceived through the Challenger 150 Programme, to connect and coordinate fragmented deep-ocean research efforts across the continent.

Sinothando Shibe holds a seapen. Credit: Kerry Sink.

Angela Nyangwe at WIOMSA 2025. Credit: WIOMSA

Kirsty McQuaid presents on behalf of ANDR. Credit: WIOMSA

Lace corals off South Africa's east coast. Credit: ACEP Deep Forests

Sheena Talma receives the Emerging Scientist Award. Credit: WIOMSA

Kirsty McQuaid, Olsuola Adeoye & Sheena Talma at a deep-sea leadership summit.

Participants in a low-cost technology training program. Credit: Amelia Bridges.

Who We Are:

Our mission is to strengthen Africa’s deep-sea research community and promote African leadership in deep-water science.

ANDR is open to African nationals worldwide and individuals based in African institutes across disciplines and sectors who are interested in deep-water research. We define this as work conducted from a vessel at depths greater than 30 m (excluding scuba diving), recognising that capacity at these depths is a vital step toward operating in the deep sea (>200 m).

We currently bring together more than 350 members from 27 African nations, representing over 140 institutions, with 76% of members identifying as Early-Career Researchers.

By joining ANDR, you get access to:

– Networking & collaboration

– Community

– Visibility

– Research & training opportunities

– Capacity sharing, knowledge exchange & more!

What We Do:

Expand access to opportunity – We connect African researchers to training, funding, and expedition opportunities in deep-water science.
Share knowledge – We create platforms for learning and exchange across regions, disciplines, and career stages.
Promote African-led science – We support African researchers to lead deep-water research ideas and proposals.
Strengthen global collaboration – We link African researchers to regional and international deep-ocean initiatives.

Read more on some of our recent activities below.