The fish was found along the Maluku archipelago in Indonesia (All photos: Alexis Chappuis)
It is said that up to 80% of the world’s oceans remain unexplored, and as experts endeavour to learn more about the mysterious waters that enrobe our planet, a handful of the world’s top luxury brands have become some of the biggest contributors to scientific discovery. It makes sense that Blancpain, maker of the 1953 Fifty Fathoms, the first true diver’s watch, would be the timepiece manufacture making strides in marine discovery. The brand has supported more than 40 major scientific expeditions all around the world, as well as established the Blancpain Ocean Commitment and Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).
Recently, the watchmaker’s efforts have led to the discovery of the first living coelacanth along the Maluku archipelago in Indonesia. Conducted by Alexis Chappuis and UNSEEN Expeditions, the mission culminated in the first in situ images by a diver of the Indonesian species. The dive reached a depth of 145m, overcoming deep mixed-gas diving challenges and needing up to five hours of decompression.
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Widely called a living fossil, dinosaur fish or Raja Laut, the lobe-finned fish was once thought to have been extinct for 70 million years. In 1938, it resurfaced in extremely small numbers. Only two species have been documented to this date — the West Indian Ocean coelacanth (Latimeria chalumnae) and the Sulawesi (or Indonesian) coelacanth (Latimeria menadoensis). Both are on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List, with the former under “critically endangered” and its Indonesian relative listed as “vulnerable”.
The establishment of MPAs is crucial as these areas serve as habitats for the coelacanth as well as their ecosystems. These zones ensure the fish are protected from environmental damage and the survival of this vulnerable species. The recent discovery in Maluku highlights the urgent need for further exploration and conservation in this region and provides evidence of the positive impact collaborative efforts by luxury brands can have on the planet.
This article first appeared on May 5, 2025 in The Edge Malaysia.
