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Blue Belt Expedition sets sail for the unknown deep in the Caribbean territories 

We are thrilled to announce that the Blue Belt Programme will be embarking on its first expedition within the Caribbean!

In January 2026, the Beyond the Reef Caribbean expedition will set sail for the offshore waters of Anguilla, Turks and Caicos Islands, and Cayman Islands. Beyond their coastal waters, research has been limited. Therefore, this expedition will be critical in filling current gaps in knowledge about deep-water marine ecosystems in the Caribbean. 

Discover more about the ambitions, crew and significance of this expedition in our latest blog. 

Ground-breaking research

On board the RSS James Cook, a crew of 46 researchers will conduct leading research in areas of the Caribbean that have never been surveyed before. The aims of the expedition have been developed alongside each Overseas Territory government to fill crucial knowledge gaps. During the six weeks, the crew will: 

• Map 9,400 square kilometers of sea floor for the first time, building detailed seabed maps that will aid navigation  

• Investigate the status of key fisheries to inform sustainable marine management 

• Research the benthic (seafloor) and pelagic (open-water) ecology of offshore areas to explore potential new fishing opportunities or ecosystems that require protection 

• Monitor pollution threats including plastics, nutrients, and heavy metals
• Collect baseline information on ocean conditions

Advancing science through collaboration

The Beyond the Reef expedition demonstrates the value of collaborative research in protecting some of the world's most biodiverse ocean areas, combining cutting-edge techniques with deep understanding of local marine ecosystems. 

This partnership brings together scientists and marine managers from the governments of Anguilla, Turks and Caicos and the Cayman Islands, working alongside colleagues from UK institutions including Cefas, the Marine Management Organisation, the Natural History Museum, the UK Hydrographic Office, National Oceanography Centre, and the British Antarctic Survey. 

Key dates

Throughout the expedition, we will be sharing new discoveries, accounts from the crew, and other updates live from the ship. Below are some key dates to look out for.

13th January 2026 The RSS James Cook will leave port in the Dominican Republic and begin transit towards Anguilla.

15th January 2026 The RSS James Cook will arrive in Anguilla where five Anguillan researchers will join the crew before beginning the first leg of the expedition.

30th January 2026 Arrival in the Turks and Caicos Islands will mark the start of the second leg. A new crew of six local researchers will be welcomed aboard. Monitoring water quality will be a primary focus of this leg.

13th February 2026 The expedition arrivers at the Cayman Islands and its final leg of research. A crew of eight Caymanian researchers will join the RSS James Cook.

25th February 2026 The Beyond the Reef expedition will come to an end with remaining crew disembarking in Florida. Although the end of the expedition, it will mark the start of data analysis and implementation.

Find out more about the Blue Belt Programme

The Blue Belt Programme supports the protection and management of nearly four million square kilometres of marine environment across the UK Overseas Territories. The Programme is delivered by the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), the Marine Management Organisation (MMO).