Malta’s Deep-Sea Pioneer: Dr. Joseph Borg Heads Atlantic Odyssey

Imagine descending into the abyss, where sunlight fades and pressure crushes like a vice. This is the world of Dr. Joseph Borg, a Maltese scientist who’s about to embark on an expedition that’ll take him to one of the most remote parts of the Atlantic. But why, and what does it mean for Malta?

The Azores Plateau, some 800km southwest of the Portuguese archipelago, is a vast underwater mountain range, largely unexplored and untouched. It’s here that Dr. Borg, a marine biologist at the University of Malta, will lead a team of international scientists on a three-week expedition. Their goal? To map the seafloor, collect samples, and study the unique ecosystems that thrive in these extreme conditions.

“The Azores Plateau is like a blank page on the map,” says Dr. Borg. “We know it’s there, but we don’t know what’s on it. It’s an incredible opportunity to discover new species, understand their role in the ecosystem, and maybe even find new resources.”

So, why is a Maltese scientist leading this expedition? The answer lies in Malta’s maritime heritage and its commitment to marine research. Malta has one of the largest exclusive economic zones in the Mediterranean, covering over 240,000 square kilometers. That’s a lot of sea to explore and protect.

“Malta has always been a maritime nation,” says Dr. Borg. “We’ve always looked to the sea for our livelihood. Now, we’re looking to it for knowledge and understanding. This expedition is a testament to that.”

Malta’s strategic location makes it an ideal base for deep-sea research. The University of Malta’s Institute of Earth Systems is at the forefront of this, collaborating with international institutions to explore the mysteries of the deep.

Dr. Borg’s journey begins in Valletta, where he’ll board the R/V Atlantic Explorer, a state-of-the-art research vessel equipped with advanced mapping and sampling technologies. The team will use multibeam sonar to map the seafloor, drop traps to collect samples, and deploy remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) to film and study the deep-sea creatures they encounter.

Back in Malta, the data collected will be analyzed, and the samples studied. It’s painstaking work, but it’s how we understand our planet and protect its fragile ecosystems. And it’s all happening right here in Malta.

“This is just the beginning,” says Dr. Borg. “We’re opening a new chapter in Malta’s maritime history. And who knows what we’ll find?”