ANDR at the 13th WIOMSA Scientific Symposium
The 13th Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association (WIOMSA) Scientific Symposium took place in Mombasa, Kenya, from 28 September – 3 October 2025. This is the largest scientific conference in the Western Indian Ocean (WIO) region, held every three years to discuss vital marine and coastal issues. Supported by the Richard Lounsbery Foundation, the Challenger 150 African Network of Deep-water Researchers hosted a mini-symposium, bringing together researchers from the region to showcase recent advancements in deep-water research and highlight their relevance for science, policy, and sustainability.
The session was attended by approximately 65 participants, including researchers and ocean managers. Seven speakers presented on topics ranging from seafloor mapping and deep-sea biodiversity to capacity development, technological innovation, ecosystem assessment, and risks of deep-sea mining. Each presentation offered new perspectives and sparked inspiring discussions on how African scientists are contributing to the global understanding of deep-sea ecosystems.
If you would like to hear more about any ANDR events, or have any questions, please get in touch with Kirsty McQuaid ([email protected]) or Angela Nyangwe ([email protected]).
Emerging knowledge
The deep sea of the WIO holds ecological significance, cultural value and scientific curiosity yet it remains one of the least explored and least understood regions. There was therefore great excitement to hear updates from the recent OceanX OceanQuest ‘Around Africa Expedition’ in WIO Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (ABNJ). Amina Makori (Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute) presented new bathymetric and ecological data for Walters Shoal Seamount, Africana Seamount and an unnamed seamount on the Madagascar Ridge. An impressive >33,000 km2 was mapped during the expedition, with 82% of this representing previously unmapped areas. In addition, Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) dives and targeted collection of sponges, soft corals and hard corals revealed several Vulnerable Marine Ecosystem (VME) species living on the seamounts (presented by Jovial Mbony, Institut Halieutique et des Sciences Marines, Madagascar). The analysis and publication of this work is underway and will greatly improve the knowledge baseline for the region. The expedition has inspired early-career and seasoned researchers and opened new avenues for collaborative exploration.
A systematic approach to identifying, mapping and prioritising VMEs in data-limited regions was presented by Mari-Lise Franken (University of Cape Town, South Africa). This method offers significant potential for broader application across the WIO region, strengthening efforts towards conservation and sustainable use within regional and global governance frameworks. Preliminary findings from a comprehensive review of deep-sea biological research in the WIO were also shared by Sheena Talma (Oxford University), with outcomes expected to guide future research priorities and empower regional scientists to take a leading role in designing and conducting deep-sea expeditions. Additionally, David Willima (Deep Sea Conservation Coalition) & Shannon Hampton (UNDOALOS) explored the environmental, cultural, and legal risks of deep-sea mining in Africa, a timely discussion as global interest in seabed minerals continues to grow. There was emphasis on the urgent need for strong governance frameworks, regional collaboration, foundational science and precautionary approaches to avoid irreversible harm to fragile deep-sea ecosystems.
Strengthening capacity
On-going efforts by the ANDR to strengthen capacity for deep-water research in the WIO were presented by Kirsty McQuaid (Nelson Mandela University, South Africa). These initiatives focus on connecting researchers with opportunities for funding, training and collaboration; promoting knowledge exchange; supporting development of African-led deep-water research proposals; and facilitating regional and international collaborations. Several specific examples of these activities are highlighted on the ANDR webpage.
Another highlight was the presentation of an adaptive, low-cost drop-camera system for mapping coastal and deeper habitats designed by the University of Plymouth and presented by Charles Lucas (Atlantic Technological University, Ireland, and Bahari Hai Conservation, Kenya). The camera, used from a small boat, can collect high-quality imagery and data. This innovative tool shows enormous promise for expanding data collection in resource-limited settings like the WIO, where access to large research vessels remains a challenge.
Session outcomes
By connecting emerging discoveries and technologies to governance and conservation priorities, the session demonstrated how deep-water science underpins evidence-based decision-making. There was also notable growing expertise of Africa’s deep-water science community. These discussions cemented the need for African researchers to take a lead in exploring and protecting WIO’s deep waters and highlighted research and capacity development that align with regional and global commitments such as the Nairobi Convention, the UN Decade of Ocean Science, the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement and the International Seabed Authority’s (ISA) Mining Code. Further highlights from the presentations and several key recommendations are outlined in the session report.
Following the mini-symposium, a briefing note on deep-sea mining was developed through the Ocean20 Engagement Hub, co-convened by the NRF-SAEON Egagasini Node and the UN Global Compact under South Africa’s G20 Presidency. Following discussions on how African states can strengthen preparedness and mitigate risks, presenters from the mini-symposium collaborated with others to produce the note, now published on the Ocean20 website: All Briefing Notes and Briefing Note #8: “Deep-sea Mining – Why a Precautionary Pause is Needed”.
Celebrating excellence in deep-sea research
The WIOMSA Scientific Symposium was not just about research findings, it was also a moment to recognise outstanding contributions by the ANDR community.
A big shout-out to Seychelloise Sheena Talma and South African Luther Adams.
Sheena received the Emerging Scientist Award for her outstanding contributions to marine science and leadership not only in Seychelles but in the entire WIO region. Sheena presented a keynote speech on ‘Exploring the Unseen: Sharing Capacity for Deep-sea Science in the WIO’. This was a moving story on her journey into deep-sea science, the challenges and the wins. She also highlighted major achievements in Seychellesoise deep-water research, supported by collaborative efforts.
Luther received the student Best Oral Presentation Award, recognizing both the quality and significance of his research. He delivered a presentation on ‘The application of artificial intelligence in detecting benthic invertebrates from underwater imagery’.
These achievements speak not only to individual excellence but also to the growing strength and bright future of the WIO deep-sea research community.
Strengthening collaborations and building a community with a shared purpose
Beyond science, the mini-symposium offered a unique space for students, early-career scientists, senior researchers, policy makers and partners to connect. The energy in the room, the quality of the presentations, and the passion from early-career scientists showed that deep-sea science in the Western Indian Ocean is entering an exciting new chapter. Many participants emphasized how valuable it was to meet others working across related fields and share ideas. There were recommendations on how the region could move forward in terms of deep-sea science and how to strengthen collaborations.
The session also highlighted the growing importance of African-led research networks like ANDR in shaping regional priorities, building capacity, and ensuring that WIO voices are represented in global deep-sea science discussions.
Why this matters – Looking into the future
The mini-symposium reinforced a powerful message: There is so much potential in the WIO and the journey has begun!
The WIO is ready for a new era of exploration and scientific understanding. The possibilities for future discoveries are immense especially with increasing access to low-cost technology, expanding regional partnerships and rising engagement from experts in various fields.
With growing attention on ocean governance – from biodiversity protection under the new BBNJ Agreement and ongoing discussions around deep-sea mining – the role of African scientists is more important than ever.
Here is to more discoveries, stronger partnerships, and a future where the deep sea continues to inspire curiosity and innovation across the region.
