Dominican Republic to join Beata Submarine Ridge expedition

Santo Domingo.- The Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources will join a landmark international scientific expedition in 2028 to study the Beata Submarine Ridge, a deep-sea ecosystem shared by the Dominican Republic and Colombia, as part of efforts to strengthen marine conservation in the Caribbean.

The mission will be carried out aboard REV Ocean, the world’s largest ocean research vessel, and will involve scientists from both countries studying deep-sea biodiversity, oceanographic processes and underwater habitats using advanced technology. Researchers will also collect data on environmental DNA, microplastics and ecological connectivity to improve understanding of the region’s marine ecosystems.

According to the Ministry of Environment, the findings will support conservation planning for the Orlando Jorge Mera Marine Sanctuary and other protected marine areas, contributing to the global goal of protecting at least 30% of the world’s oceans by 2030. Officials said the expedition underscores the Dominican Republic’s commitment to marine biodiversity research and sustainable ocean management.