The Ocean: Earth's Last Frontier

Did you know that a staggering 66% of our planet is covered by deep ocean? Yet, remarkably, we've only managed to visually explore a minuscule fraction—less than 0.001%! That's roughly the size of a mere tenth of Belgium.

A Biased Exploration: Where Have We Looked?

Recent data from over 44,000 deep-sea dives reveals a concerning reality: our exploration has been heavily concentrated in just a few locations. A staggering 65% of all observations are clustered within 200 nautical miles of only three countries: the United States, Japan, and New Zealand.

The Dominance of a Few Nations in Deep-Sea Research

Taking it a step further, an astonishing 97% of all the dives we've compiled come from just five nations: the U.S., Japan, New Zealand, France, and Germany. This skewed representation raises critical questions about our understanding of marine ecosystems globally.

Implications for Global Ocean Management

Such a narrow focus poses significant challenges for accurately characterizing and managing the world's oceans. As we face increasing environmental threats, it becomes more urgent than ever to broaden our visual reach and better understand the vast, hidden realms of the deep seafloor.

The Call for Inclusive Exploration

We must expand our exploratory efforts to encompass a more comprehensive view of the ocean's depths. By doing so, we can enhance our knowledge and ensure the sustainable management of these crucial oceanic environments.