Expedition to Melati Seamount, Sumatra Indonesia
Editor's note: The following expedition was delayed from an expected May itierary to now July or August. Our friend Joerg, Advisor to the Aceh Peace Reintegration Board, sent us this info and will keep us in the loop about the project. Thanks Joerg!
PRESS RELEASE
Sumatra Konservasi Alam
Introduction
Off the coast of Sumatra Indonesia, the recently mapped Melati (Jasmine) seamount is an impressive geologic feature that rises from over 600 meters from the seafloor to within ten meters of the surface. This spire is just one of a series of peaks that is located 120 km west of Calang, Indonesia and approximately 145 km northwest of the earthquake epicenter that caused the December 26th 2004 tsunami. The site's location is in an area that appears fascinating and unique, and for four days in May we have the opportunity for the first time to directly observe the mount and record the species and habitats present.
Plan
We are fortunate to have the Banda Aceh research vessel Penelope as a dive platform from which to conduct our observations. Other vessels (the Arung Samudra, and the Peot Syedara) will accompany Penelope for safety. Besides the excitement of diving on a seamount that has never been dove on before, and satisfying the curiosity of many people who will share this expedition, this expedition will support scientific, resource management, and education endeavors. We will survey the species present and characterize the physical characteristics. These subjects will be pursued later with more focused scientific expeditions.
The goal of our expedition is to more fully document the Melati Seamount. We will leave Banda Aceh, Indonesia at 1700 Friday, May 23rd and spend three days at the site-returning late Monday night. The time on site will be spent identifying species present, taking geologic samples, and describing the ocean environment. Our team of explorers will include experienced Indonesian divers, scientists, educators, and resource managers. Dive equipment is available locally with prior notice.
What will we do with our findings
1) Create and compile biological data on Melati that is accessible to the scientific community.
2) Document the bathymetry for the area immediately surrounding Melati.
3) We will also notify the appropriate local authorities with respect to the location of the Melati seamount so that it may be included in future navigational maps.
4) Assist resource managers regarding this location as they endeavor to conserve and protect the natural resources in the waters around Aceh.
