Supported by the “Global Trench Exploration and Diving program”(Global TREnD), the China-New Zealand joint scientific expedition team reembarked on 21st to launch the project of the second segment of the second voyage manned deep-sea expedition of the two countries, continuing to complete humanity's first scientific exploration of the Puysegur Trench.
The joint manned deep-sea scientific expedition voyage organized by the Institute of Deep-sea Science and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and New Zealand's National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) has a duration of 3 months. Launched at the beginning of this year, the expedition has currently completed its first segment. Following the commencement of the second segment, the research vessel TAN SUO YI HAO carrying the full-ocean-depth HOV Fendouzhe has sailed into New Zealand waters again.
R/V TAN SUO YI HAO docked at Bluff Port, New Zealand on the 20th. At the R/V TAN SUO YI HAO" and HOV Fendouzhe Manned Deep Dive Science Popularization Tour event held locally, Peng Xiaotong, the voyage leader of the Institute of Deep-sea Science and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, stated that this is not only a scientific expedition but also a symbol of deepened cooperation between China and New Zealand in the field of science and technology. He hopes that this joint deep-sea dive can become a model of international cooperation, promote mutual understanding, and advance the further implementation of the Global TREnD.
He Ying, Consul-General of China in Christchurch, stated that the joint scientific expedition has provided an important platform for China-New Zealand marine cooperation. She expressed the expectation that such activities will further strengthen scientific cooperation between the two countries and deepen mutual understanding and friendship between the peoples of China and New Zealand.
At the science popularization tour event, Du Mengran, the chief scientist of the voyage from the Institute of Deep-sea Science and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, introduced the achievements of the first segment of the second voyage. The multiple new species discovered by them showcase a magical underwater world. "This operation was carried out in the 'Devil's West Wind Belt', where the severe sea conditions posed unprecedented difficulties and challenges for us," said Du Mengran. The Southern Hemisphere's "Devil's West Wind Belt" lies between 40 to 60 southlatitude, where westerly winds of force 5 to 6 prevail year-round, bringing swells of more than 4 meters.
Ashley Rowden, the chief Scientist of Marine Ecology at the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) of New Zealand, stated that the achievements made in the first segment of the second voyage were "extraordinary", with the number of samples collected exceeding expectations. "It is extremely encouraging to see how much we have achieved in collaboration within just over two years," said Rowden.
The China-New Zealand Joint Trench Deep Dive Scientific Expedition began at the end of 2022. Prior to this, scientific researchers from both countries reached the deepest point of the Kermadec Trench in northern New Zealand with the help of the HOV Fendouzhe, descending to the 10,000-meterocean floor.
