Charting the Unseen: National Geographic and Rolex Launch Monumental Ocean Expedition
**August 22, 2025** — In a significant stride towards unraveling the mysteries of our planet’s vast aquatic realms, the National Geographic Society and Rolex have officially announced the launch of the Perpetual Planet Ocean Expeditions. Unveiled on June 3, 2025, this ambitious series represents a concerted, global effort to explore, understand, and ultimately protect the world’s oceans, marking a critical juncture in marine science and conservation.
This groundbreaking initiative is more than just a collection of research trips; it’s a strategic, long-term commitment backed by two global powerhouses. Rolex, through its enduring Perpetual Planet initiative, continues its legacy of supporting exploration and innovation, finding a natural synergy with the National Geographic Society’s unparalleled history in scientific discovery and storytelling. The partnership underscores a shared vision: to foster a deeper understanding of marine ecosystems and to galvanize action against the accelerating threats facing them.
The scope of these expeditions is truly global, designed to span every corner of the world’s ocean. From the sunlit surface to the crushing depths, scientists and explorers will deploy cutting-edge technology to map uncharted territories, discover new species, and collect vital data on everything from ocean currents and biodiversity to the impacts of climate change and pollution. Initial efforts are set to delve into enigmatic regions like the Sherman Basin, a geological marvel whose secrets hold clues to ancient ocean processes and potentially undiscovered life forms.
The urgency for such an initiative cannot be overstated. Despite covering over 70% of Earth’s surface, more than 80% of our oceans remain unexplored. What lies beneath these vast, blue expanses is not just a matter of scientific curiosity but of global survival. The health of the oceans directly influences global climate patterns, food security, and biodiversity. As rising temperatures, plastic pollution, and overfishing push marine environments to their breaking point, the data and insights gathered from the Perpetual Planet Ocean Expeditions will be instrumental in developing effective conservation strategies and informing policy decisions.
This collaboration promises to yield a treasure trove of knowledge, making the invisible visible and the unknown known. Beyond scientific papers and academic journals, National Geographic’s renowned storytelling capabilities will play a crucial role in bringing these discoveries to a global audience, fostering a deeper connection between humanity and the ocean. The Perpetual Planet Ocean Expeditions are not merely expeditions; they are a beacon of hope for our planet’s most vital resource, heralding a new era of comprehensive marine exploration that is poised to redefine our understanding of life on Earth.
