The RRS Discovery will soon depart on a research voyage (dubbed Discovery Expedition 100) that is focused on the underwater mountains of St. Helena and Tristan da Cunha. The trip is a joint undertaking of the Natural History Museum, the British Antarctic Survey and the Blue Belt Programme, which seeks to protect the UK’s millions of square kilometers’ worth of unique marine ecosystems. The RRS Discovery will carry a wide variety of marine scientists and specialists on its 30 day trip.

Key Takeaways:

• Discovery Expedition 100 will go to Tristan da Cunha and St Helena, two territories that contain more than 90% of the UK’s biodiversity.
• In Tristan da Cunha, the team of scientists will map the ocean floor, collect biological specimens, gather ocean water samples, and deploy underwater cameras.
• In St Helena, researchers intend to attain a better knowledge of underwater ecosystems, with an eye towards understanding the local tuna fisheries.

“This year’s expedition, which will take place aboard the RRS Discovery, is a joint Cefas Blue Belt Programme and British Antarctic Survey Overseas Development Assistance project in partnership with the Natural History Museum.”

Read more: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/marine-research-expedition-heads-to-two-remote-uk-overseas-territories