World Water Day: OceanX's Deep Water Exploration & Research

Only 26% of the ocean has been mapped, leaving significant gaps in knowledge essential for conservation and sustainable decision-making.

OceanX believes in the importance of exploring the ocean to better understand and protect it. Through advanced technology, its missions reveal crucial insights into the ocean’s role in regulating climate, supporting food security and mitigating natural disasters.

This World Water Day, Mattie Rodrigue, Science Program Director at OceanX, discusses OceanX’s work. 

Please introduce yourself and your role

I’m Mattie Rodrigue, the Science Program Director at OceanX. 

My job is to design and operationalise the scientific research we conduct aboard our state-of-the-art vessel, OceanXplorer. 

I oversee all scientific expedition coordination and planning, help bring together the best teams for each expedition and ensure that our research has real-world impact.

Please introduce OceanX and its work

OceanX is a nonprofit initiative dedicated to exploring the ocean and sharing its wonders with the world through cutting-edge science, innovative media and education. Our mission is to inspire the next generation of ocean explorers while providing crucial scientific insights that drive conservation and sustainability efforts.

We operate at the intersection of science, technology and storytelling, using our research vessel to explore the unknown depths of the ocean. By collaborating with leading scientists, government agencies and local researchers, we not only uncover new species and ecosystems but also help shape policies that protect marine biodiversity.

What is OceanXplorer and how can it help mitigate the impacts of climate change?

OceanXplorer is the most advanced ocean exploration and research vessel in the world. It’s equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including deep-sea submersibles, remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and advanced sonar mapping systems that allow us to explore uncharted areas of the ocean.

By combining cutting-edge technology, scientific research, education and media, OceanXplorer generates the data that helps us understand how the ocean is changing. 

From mapping coral reef degradation to tracking ocean acidification and studying how marine ecosystems are responding to rising temperatures, our research provides the insights needed for informed, responsible decision-making about conservation policies and mitigation strategies.

What are your proudest achievements at OceanX?

One of my proudest moments was leading an expedition to the Arctic, where we worked with the Norwegian Polar Institute and the Polish research station to study glacier retreat and its impact on marine ecosystems.

Seeing first-hand how rapidly these glaciers are disappearing was sobering, but it also reinforced the urgency of our work. The data we collected is now being used to inform climate models and conservation strategies.

Another highlight was our deep-sea research in the Azores, where our work contributed to the establishment of a new marine protected area. Collaborating with local scientists and witnessing the tangible impact our research had on conservation policy was incredibly rewarding. 

But perhaps what I’m most proud of is the number of young scientists and early-career researchers we’ve been able to support and mentor. Seeing them develop their skills and passion for ocean conservation gives me hope for the future.

What does the overall health of the oceans look like worldwide and what are the implications?

The reality is that the health of the world’s oceans is at a tipping point. We’re seeing coral reefs bleaching at an alarming rate, fish populations declining due to unsustainable fishing practices and entire marine habitats being altered by climate change. 

Oceans regulate our climate, provide food for billions of people and play a crucial role in the global economy. If we don’t act now to protect them, the ripple effects will be felt worldwide, from food security crises to increased natural disasters and economic instability in coastal communities. 

That’s why our work at OceanX - combining science, education and conservation - is more important than ever.

Based on lessons learned so far, what advice would you offer other organisations working towards similar goals?

Collaboration is key. No single organisation, country or researcher can tackle ocean conservation alone. Partnering with local communities, governments and scientific institutions ensures that conservation efforts are tailored to the specific needs of each region and that the data we collect leads to real-world impact. 

Another lesson is the importance of communication. Science is only as powerful as the audience it reaches. And finally, invest in the next generation. The future of ocean conservation depends on young scientists, educators and advocates who will carry this work forward. Providing them with opportunities, mentorship and hands-on experience is one of the most effective ways to create lasting change.

What are you working on currently and what are the plans for 2025 and beyond?

Right now, we’re in the middle of our Around Africa Expedition, an unprecedented mission to circumnavigate the African continent. We’re mapping uncharted seafloor, studying biodiversity hotspots and training early-career researchers in ocean science techniques. Looking ahead, we plan to expand our research efforts into some of the least-explored ocean regions on the planet. 

At OceanX, we believe that if we take care of the ocean, it will take care of us. By combining scientific discovery, technological innovation and public engagement, we can create a future where the ocean remains a thriving and resilient ecosystem. We can create this future, together.

Explore the latest edition of Energy Digital Magazine and be part of the conversation at our global conference series, Sustainability LIVE.

Discover all our upcoming events and secure your tickets today.

Energy Digital is a BizClik brand