In April 2025, a team of marine biologists, supported by the Blancpain Ocean Commitment, achieved a remarkable feat by capturing the first in-situ images of a live coelacanth (Latimeria menadoensis) in North Maluku, Indonesia. This event marks the first time divers have photographed this ancient species in its natural habitat in this region.
The expedition was a collaborative effort involving researchers from Pattimura University, UNSEEN, BRIN, Udayana University, and Khairun University, focusing on the mesophotic coral reef ecosystems. The team successfully photographed and filmed an adult coelacanth at a depth of 145 meters. The exact location is being kept confidential to protect this vulnerable species.
This discovery underscores the rich marine biodiversity of North Maluku and highlights the critical importance of deep-sea exploration and conservation efforts. It represents the first encounter in a region previously without coelacanth reports. Researchers hope this finding will encourage increased conservation initiatives by local and national authorities.