Ascension is one of the most remote islands in the world. Situated in the Atlantic Ocean between South America (Brazil) and Africa (Angola), the main island and surrounding sea mounts remained largely unexplored for hundreds of years. With talk of establishing a new marine protected area, there have been shallow water surveys and mapping expeditions in the region. Utilizing the latest bathymetric maps (measurement of deep water), Deep HOPE will work with regional scientists to investigate promising features around the island and surrounding sea mounts.
Discovery of new species is anticipated because to date there has been little direct exploration. Six gill sharks and deep sea eels have been observed via remote lander cameras. Our goal is to spend more time at depth directly observing these deep sea fishes.