Malta’s Deep-Sea Pioneer: Exploring the Atlantic’s Forgotten Realm

Imagine descending into the abyss, where sunlight fades, and the pressure is crushing. This is the world Dr. Marie Spiteri, a Maltese marine biologist, is about to explore. She’s leading an international team on a deep-sea expedition to the Azores Plateau, a remote part of the Atlantic that’s as mysterious as it is vast.

From Malta to the Abyss

Dr. Spiteri, a researcher at the University of Malta’s Institute of Earth Systems, has spent her career studying the deep sea. But this expedition is different. The Azores Plateau, located southwest of the Azores archipelago, is one of the least explored regions on Earth. “It’s like going to the moon,” she says, “We know more about the surface of the moon than we do about the bottom of our own oceans.”

The expedition, funded by the European Research Council, will use a state-of-the-art remotely operated vehicle (ROV) to explore the plateau’s underwater canyons and seamounts. The ROV, operated from a ship based in the Azores, will beam back live footage to the team, including Dr. Spiteri, who will be monitoring from Malta.

Why the Azores Plateau?

The Azores Plateau is a hotspot for deep-sea life. Its underwater canyons act like highways, transporting nutrients from the surface to the deep, supporting a diverse ecosystem. Yet, despite its richness, the plateau remains largely unexplored. “We don’t know what’s down there,” says Dr. Spiteri. “We don’t know what we might find.”

Understanding the plateau’s ecosystem is crucial. It could hold secrets to new medicines, help us understand climate change, or even provide new insights into the origins of life on Earth. Plus, it’s right on Malta’s doorstep. “The Azores Plateau is part of our backyard,” says Dr. Spiteri. “We should know what’s in our own backyard.”

Malta’s Role in Deep-Sea Exploration

Malta, with its strategic location and maritime history, has always been a hub for exploration. Today, it’s at the forefront of deep-sea research. The University of Malta’s Institute of Earth Systems is one of Europe’s leading marine research institutions. Its work ranges from studying microplastics in our seas to exploring the deepest trenches of the ocean.

Dr. Spiteri’s expedition is a testament to Malta’s growing role in deep-sea exploration. It’s also a testament to Maltese ingenuity. The ROV used in the expedition was built by Malta-based company, Subsea7. “It’s a proud moment for Malta,” says Dr. Spiteri. “We’re not just exploring the deep sea, we’re also building the tools to do it.”

Back in Malta, the team will analyze the data collected during the expedition. They’ll study everything from the plateau’s geology to its marine life. It’s painstaking work, but it’s work that could unlock the secrets of one of the last great unexplored frontiers on Earth.

As Dr. Spiteri prepares to dive into the abyss, she’s filled with a mix of excitement and trepidation. “We’re about to make history,” she says. “We’re about to explore a part of the world that no one has ever seen before. It’s daunting, but it’s also incredibly exciting.”