Only 0.001% of deep ocean has ever been explored by humans

undefined 13, 2025

Source: mos

Despite covering two-thirds of Earth’s surface, just 0.001% of the deep ocean floor has ever been seen by human eyes, according to a new study published in *Science Advances*. That’s about the size of Rhode Island. Researchers compiled over 43,000 deep-sea dive records using submersibles and underwater vehicles, and found that exploration has been heavily concentrated near just a few countries like the U.S., Japan, and New Zealand. Scientists warn this lack of data is alarming as climate change and deep-sea mining loom, and stress the urgent need for a global push to explore and protect Earth’s largest, least-known ecosystem.

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