After three weeks at sea, the Inkfish Aruba Expedition concluded its survey operations on September 12, 2026. The team of scientists, working from the research vessel RV Hydra, completed the most extensive multibeam survey ever conducted in Aruban waters, scanned all known targets, and identified the locations of at least nine previously unknown targets off the west coast of the island. Although the expedition has concluded, substantial work remains to be done. The expedition generated a large amount of cartographic information, photographic, and scientific data that will now be processed, with the results to be presented in March/April 2027.
The expedition included extensive mapping with multibeam sonar, sampling environmental DNA (eDNA), and conducting photogrammetry at shipwreck and reef sites. All known targets were successfully scanned using multibeam sonar, and at least nine additional targets were identified in the western coastal areas of Aruba. The expedition also conducted the first eDNA surveys in Aruba. These samples will help researchers better understand the relationship between underwater cultural heritage sites and the surrounding marine environment.
The expedition was a collaboration between the National Archaeological Museum Aruba (MANA), Imagination for Development and the Nature of Values Aruba (IDNOVA), the Aruba Conservation Foundation (ACF), and the international marine philanthropic organization Inkfish. The work was made possible through extensive preparation by MANA, based on desk-based research by Aruban archaeologist Raymundo Dijkhoff. This research helped the Inkfish team identify and prioritize survey sites.
During the expedition, Aruban archaeologist Harold Kelly from MANA and Aruban ecologist Oriana Wouters from IDNOVA worked alongside the international research team. Through their participation, they gained valuable experience with highly advanced survey methods and ensured Aruba’s direct involvement in collecting and interpreting the data.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed by the Minister of Culture, Mr. Mike Eman, ensures that the scientific data collected during the expedition remains accessible to Aruba. This will support future research, education, long-term management, and the protection of our island’s underwater cultural heritage.
