Deep Reefs of the Far East with UNSEEN Expeditions-2025

From the 29th of September to 21st of October 2025, SeaKeepers South Pacific once again joined UNSEEN Expeditions and Pattimura University, with support from Blancpain Ocean Commitment, for a month-long exploratory voyage aboard DISCOVERY Yacht Northern Sun in the North Maluku region of Indonesia. Building on the momentum of the previous year, the 2025 mission included a new focus on identifying areas that may provide suitable habitat for the elusive coelacanth after last year’s deep-water sighting.

The team used a combination of advanced technical diving and high-resolution seafloor mapping to locate and explore steep drop-offs, submerged ridgelines, and deep-reef structures that are usually out of reach for most expeditions. Using geological indicators and depth profiles that align with known coelacanth environments, the voyage concentrated on remote underwater landscapes that are rarely accessed or documented. Throughout the expedition, new reef terrain was observed, previously unmapped contours were recorded, and a clearer picture of these deep-reef systems began to take shape.

Meanwhile, the team from Pattimura University carried out shallow-water reef surveys at depths of around 8 meters to assess coral diversity and overall reef health in remote areas that had not been surveyed before. Their work established an important baseline of information that will support ongoing monitoring and conservation efforts across the region.

This combined effort helps lay the foundation for future exploratory missions and strengthens understanding of both the deep and shallow reef environments of North Maluku.