A BAHAMIAN ocean scientist has launched a new non-profit organisation dedicated to exploring and protecting the Caribbean’s deep sea.

Dana “Denley” Delaney, founder of Marmoris, said the initiative seeks to close critical knowledge gaps about the ocean while ensuring conservation efforts are led from within the region.

“Marmoris was created to fill critical data gaps about the deep sea, and to contribute to long-lasting conservation efforts that are led from within the region,” she said.

Headquartered in Nassau, Marmoris will lead expeditions throughout The Bahamas and partner with scientists and institutions across the Caribbean. The organisation is using advanced tools such as baited deep-sea camera systems and remotely operated vehicles to study waters up to 3,000 metres deep.

Its first major expedition is underway in the northern Bahamas, conducting a multi-island survey of biodiversity and habitats that will later extend to the southernmost islands of the archipelago.

Ms Delaney, who previously managed the National Geographic Society’s portfolio of ocean technologies and supported global deep-sea expeditions, said the stakes are high.

“What happens in the deep ocean affects us all: from our fisheries to our climate. As risks to the deep ocean like deep-sea mining and oil drilling expand globally, data becomes our most powerful tool for protection,” she said.

Marmoris’ mission rests on five pillars: innovative research, locally-led exploration, regional capacity building, strategic communication, and making data accessible to support ocean decision-making.