CURRENT AFFAIRS

Detailed explanation-1: -The Nekton Maldives Mission, involving researchers from the University of Oxford, has found evidence of a previously undescribed ecosystem - ‘The Trapping Zone’ - that is creating an oasis of life 500 metres down in the depths of the Indian Ocean.

Detailed explanation-2: -This Trapping Zone is a new ecosystem, discovered some 500 meters beneath the surface, is being referred to as ‘as oasis of oceanic life’. It was discovered by scientists under the Nekton Maldives Mission.

Detailed explanation-3: -The new ecosystem is located in the depths of the Indian Ocean. Researchers from the University of Oxford and the Nekton Maldives Mission have discovered evidence of an ecosystem known as “The Trapping Zone” that is creating an oasis of life 500 meters (1640 feet) under the surface of the Indian Ocean.

Detailed explanation-4: -According to Maldives President, “The discovery of ‘The Trapping Zone’ and the oasis of life in the depths surrounding the Maldives provides us with critical new knowledge that further supports our conservation commitments and sustainable ocean management, and almost certainly support fisheries and tourism.”

Detailed explanation-5: -Coral reefs are the dominant ecosystems found in the islands of Maldives. The coral reef systems of the Maldives are the seventh largest in the world and cover an area approximately 8,900 km2 in size, which is approximately the fifth most diverse ecosystem of the world’s reef areas.