Maltese scientist leads deep-sea expedition to explore remote part of Atlantic
Malta’s Deep-Sea Pioneer: Dr. Miriam Calleja Heads to the Abyss
Imagine the Atlantic Ocean, vast and unyielding, its deepest point, the Milwaukee Deep, a chilling 8,605 metres from the surface. Now, picture a Maltese scientist, Dr. Miriam Calleja, leading an expedition to explore this remote part of the world. This is not a scene from a Hollywood blockbuster, but a reality unfolding right now, with our very own local hero at the helm.
From Malta to the Milwaukee Deep
Dr. Calleja, a marine biologist from the University of Malta, is no stranger to the deep. She’s spent years studying the Mediterranean’s depths, but this time, she’s venturing further. The Milwaukee Deep, located southwest of the Azores, is one of the most unexplored areas of the Atlantic. It’s a challenge that Dr. Calleja embraces with enthusiasm. “We know so little about these areas,” she says, “It’s like exploring another planet.”
The expedition, part of the European Project ‘Atlantis’, will use state-of-the-art remote-operated vehicles (ROVs) to collect data and samples. The team will depart from the Portuguese port of Ponta Delgada, a fitting launchpad for this transatlantic adventure.
Why the Milwaukee Deep Matters
The Milwaukee Deep is not just another hole in the ocean floor. It’s a critical piece of the global puzzle, a potential hotspot for unique marine life and a key to understanding climate change. “The deep sea is the largest ecosystem on Earth,” explains Dr. Calleja, “Yet, we’ve explored less than 20% of it. Who knows what we’ll find?”
The expedition also aims to test new technologies, like the ‘Landers’, autonomous devices that can dive to extreme depths and collect data. This is where Malta’s tech industry comes into play. Local companies like ECOsubsea and Mechatronics Ltd are providing support, showcasing Malta’s growing role in ocean tech.
Malta’s Role in Ocean Exploration
Malta’s strategic location and burgeoning tech industry make it an ideal base for ocean exploration. The University of Malta’s Institute of Earth Systems is at the forefront of this, leading projects like ‘Atlantis’ and ‘JERICO-NEXT’. Dr. Calleja’s expedition is a testament to this, putting Malta on the global map of deep-sea research.
Back home, the excitement is palpable. “It’s incredible to think that someone from Malta is leading this expedition,” says Dr. Joseph Caruana, a colleague of Dr. Calleja. “It shows what we’re capable of, even in the most challenging environments.”
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