US, Indonesian scientists journey to bottom of sea Jakarta (AFP)
July 8, 2010 US and Indonesian scientists on Thursday launched a
joint expedition to map some of the deepest oceanic trenches in
the world for clues on biodiversity and volcanic vents,
officials said. The US embassy in Jakarta said the first joint
expedition by Indonesia and the United States marked the
beginning of a "multi-year partnership to advance ocean science,
technology and education". "Indonesian waters are home to more
marine biodiversity than any place else in the world," Jane
Lubchenco, under secretary of commerce for oceans and
atmosphere, said in a statement. "We explore together to better
understand, use, and protect the ocean and its resources." The
work is being done by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration (NOAA) and Indonesia's Marine and Fisheries
Research. NOAA ship Okeanos Explorer will send live images and
other data from the sea to scientists ashore in Indonesia and
the United States. The ship is fitted with