What the ocean floor can tell us about the future 

Our time in Mayotte accomplished many scientific firsts, but one of the most notable was deepening our understanding of the ocean floor. Seafloor maps, known as bathymetry, are essential for advancing ocean science and supporting coastal communities. 

Why the Ocean Floor Matters 

The “architecture” of the seafloor shapes ocean health in profound ways. Many bathymetric surveys focus on identifying seamounts -- underwater mountains that act as biodiversity hotspots. Ocean currents flow up and around these structures, carrying nutrients throughout the water column. These nutrients scatter through food webs, attracting diverse fish species that rely on seamounts for foraging, shelter, and breeding. 

Beyond ecology, understanding seafloor features also helps coastal communities better prepare for coastal threats like earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic activity. That’s where we come in. 

OceanX in Mayotte 

Mayotte is home to nearly 300,000 people. Historically, the island was considered geologically stable. But since the birth of a new volcano, Fani Maoré, in 2018, the region has experienced thousands of  earthquakes. These events uncovered a previously unknown and active seafloor landscape, called the “horseshoe region,” just offshore Mayotte. 

 Using ROVs and acoustic mapping, we surveyed the seafloor off the coast of Mayotte to identify the best sites for our partner IFREMER, to deploy a system designed to monitor underwater volcanic and seismic activity. 

Establishing this kind of monitoring network plays a vital role in strengthening early warning systems for the people living on Mayotte. To support this work, we collected data from sensors already deployed on the seafloor. These instruments capture underground movements such as shifts in magma or fault lines, which provide critical insights for predicting earthquakes and tsunamis. By understanding which data is most valuable for forecasting these events, we can also make more informed decisions about where to place future monitoring systems. 

Looking Ahead 

Mapping the ocean floor is more than science, it’s a safeguard for communities, a blueprint for biodiversity, and a foundation for resilience in a changing ocean. By advancing seafloor knowledge in Mayotte, we’re not only uncovering mysteries of the deep but also helping to protect life above the surface.