Face-to-face with the Indonesian Coelacanth. A world first.
North Maluku, located in the eastern part of Indonesia, is among the regions scientists have least studied, partly due to its remoteness. The deeper part of the reef in these waters is virtually unexplored and unstudied, despite its high potential to host new and endemic species. In 2024, continuing the work we initiated in 2022 on mesophotic coral ecosystems of the Maluku archipelago, our team from UNSEEN, in collaboration with local scientists, surveyed new locations with potentially high scientific and conservation importance in the North Maluku Province.
Coelacanths had never been reported from this region of Indonesia, yet, the deep diving team was investigating the possible existence of suitable habitats of this emblematic animal, at depths far beyond recreational diving limits. After careful studies of bathymetric maps and the identification of a promising site during one of our deep dives, in October 2024, we discovered the first coelacanth of the North Maluku Province, at a depth of 145 metres. This was also the first time ever divers were able to meet a living Indonesian Coelacanth in its natural habitat and could bring back the first in situ images of this legendary animal.
When this was the achievement of years of thinking, discussions, data collection, preparation and planning, we hope this discovery will revive marine conservation in Indonesia. We are now collaborating with local scientists to develop a new network of Marine Protected Areas, focusing on coelacanth habitats.
OBJECTIVES
This expedition took place from September to October 2024 and was funded by Blancpain Ocean Commitment, the Jock Clough Marine Foundation, and the International SeaKeepers Society.
It was implemented in close collaboration with Universitas Udayana and Universitas Pattimura (UNPATTI). Scientists from UNPATTI joined us on the field to conduct shallow reef surveys and collect data for various ecological and taxonomic projects they are leading in the region.
Characterisation of mesophotic habitats: biodiversity and taxonomic assemblages in North Maluku.
Continuation of our search for suitable habitats for a new coelacanth population and of our inventory of mesophotic fish in the Maluku region, started in 2022.
Documentation of these unique deep-reef habitats with high-resolution images to promote better preservation of our Oceans.
Sponge samples collection, searching for new species.
Capacity building program with local students and scientists.
Evaluation of the plastic pollution and other threats in the mesophotic zone and associated risks for local biodiversity.
First record of a living coelacanth from North Maluku, Indonesia
“After a few moments spent at -152 m, both divers started their ascent back to the surface with the plan of stopping along the way to document different levels of the mesophotic ecosystem, before entering the long decompression phase. The chance discovery of a coelacanth happened at -144 m, 9 AM local time. The animal, estimated to be about 1.1 m TL, was gently hovering above a large rock located on the slope and covered with benthic fauna, mainly sponges and soft corals.”
20
days at sea
14
deep dives
-161m
deepest dive
101h+
cumulated deep diving time
4h56'
longest deep dive
This discovery contributes to our understanding of the biogeography and ecology of this vulnerable species and provides additional insights about its natural behaviour.
Ultimately, we expect this work to help addressing coelacanth conservation in Indonesia, in an international context of dramatic biodiversity decline and natural ecosystems destruction.
DEEP REEFS OF THE FAR EAST II
IS A PROJECT FUNDED BY
IN COLLABORATION WITH OUR SCIENTIFIC PARTNERS
AND WITH SUPPORT FROM OUR TECHNICAL PARTNERS
