Indonesia 2024

The goal of this expedition was to collect data within a fisheries management area, containing multiple MPAs and MPA networks, and evaluate the biodiversity within and outside those protected areas. The research contributes to understanding how current design and management of MPAs are performing. Using cutting-edge technology aboard the OceanXplorer and a combination of visual surveys with environmental DNA (eDNA), Indonesian scientists were able to uncover not just the marine life that is easy to see, but also the hidden biodiversity under the water. This approach paints a full picture of the ecosystem and shows the power of mixing new technology with traditional monitoring and fieldwork. 

By surveying both protected and unprotected sites with similar habitat features, the team made a surprising discovery: fish abundance and species diversity showed little difference between the two. These findings raised critical questions about the effectiveness of existing protections and whether current MPA management is sufficient to sustain healthy fisheries.

While observations of fish abundance and diversity left more questions than answers about the impact of MPAs in this region, participating scientists spotted more megafauna—including dolphins, blacktip reef sharks, and orcas—than expected, indicating that this area could be far more ecologically important than scientists previously understood.

In addition to these insights on MPAs in the region, the team made the exciting discovery of five previously uncharted seamounts—hotspots of marine life that will require further exploration. The research team also collected geological samples in the western Sumatra Megathrust zone—the origin site of the deadly 2004 tsunami. Data collected from this zone will help calibrate models and better forecast seismic activity, ensuring a tsunami-ready coastline. 

The findings underscore the importance of ocean exploration, biodiversity surveys, and the modeling of the seafloor, both for understanding biodiversity hotspots and increased accuracy in tsunami prediction models. 

Each of our missions results in discoveries published in peer-reviewed publications. View all our publications below.

In collaboration with the Tanoto Foundation, OceanX Education hosted portside tours in Jakarta and Bali, offering students and educators a firsthand look at the everyday science conducted and technology used aboard the OceanXplorer. In partnership with Indonesian government agencies, OceanX also delivered university lectures at four institutions across Indonesia, engaging students in meaningful discussions about ocean science and its vital role in addressing global challenges. 

These activations are designed to spark interest in ocean-focused careers and to highlight the vast expanse of opportunities within marine science, technology, and conservation. By involving hundreds of students and educators in these experiences, the OceanX Education is transforming how people everywhere understand and relate to the ocean. 

While in Indonesia, the Young Explorers Program offered a unique, hands-on introduction to marine science, media production, and ship operations. Participants engaged in storytelling, scientific exploration, and invaluable networking with ocean professionals, gaining a deeper understanding of real-world careers and envisioning their own futures in the field. 

Bringing new technologies and research approaches to the region, our scientists worked with local researchers and provided training in deep-sea biodiversity survey methods, molecular lab techniques, and data analysis. Trainings covered skills in bioinformatics, the use of oceanographic instruments, aerial megafauna tracking, and acoustic seabed mapping. By building technical and analytical capacity within the region, the training empowered local scientists to lead evidence-based marine conservation efforts and contribute to more informed ocean management. 

The Indonesia 2024 Mission provided a comparison of marine species biodiversity and abundance across protected and non-protected areas to determine the impact of current protective measures. Our diverse dataset, including acoustic, eDNA and aerial survey analyses, as well as observations made from ROV and submersibles, contributed to the larger picture of the health of these unique ecosystems. Collectively, the low number of fish present in our study sites and the level of habitat degradation due to overfishing shows us that the time to provide innovative solutions to biodiversity and habitat enrichment is now. 

While the scientific findings of this meission are set to inform ongoing and future assessments of MPA and sustainable fisheries management practices, the tools and trainings offered to students and educators onboard this mission immediately inspired local youth and early career professionals who will carry this work forward in their own communities. 

Gaining exposure to diverse pathways in ocean science, students and educators joined the crew to learn about OceanX missions, the type of research we conduct, and the many different types of jobs available in this sector. Young Explorers worked with OceanX scientists, learning survey techniques, sampling methodology, and molecular genetics in our state-of-the-art laboratories. New skills in ocean research and storytelling techniques will help these student advocate for the ocean whatever career path they pursue. 

Complementing our mission’s work on biodiversity research and capacity building of the next generation of ocean leaders, this voyage to Indonesia also mapped the geomorphology of five previously uncharted seamounts that likely provide significant benefits to the health of surrounding marine life including observed megafauna, just one more reason to protect the unique marine ecosystems of this island nation.