Three International experts have been signed up to strengthen conservation efforts in the Sargasso Sea.

The trio – Mark Spalding, Stephen de Mora, and Ana Colaço – have been made members of Sargasso Sea Commission, established by the Hamilton Declaration on Collaboration for the Conservation of the marine ecosystem.

Walter Roban, home affairs minister, said: “Bermuda is pleased to support the important work of the Sargasso Sea Commission by appointing three Commissioners with formidable scientific expertise and a clear commitment to conservation.”

Mr Spalding is president of The Ocean Foundation and Professor de Mora is a former chief executive of the Plymouth Marine Laboratory in the UK.

Dr Colaço is a deep-sea ecologist at the University of Azores.

A Government spokesman said: “Dr Colaço’s first-time appointment to the commission brings valuable diversity to the panel as her background balances deep-sea scientific work and international co-operation efforts.

“She has been chief scientist on numerous oceanographic cruises and managed many scientific projects related to hydrothermal vent ecosystems, trophic ecology of deep-sea systems, benthic ecology, biodiversity, and conservation.

David Freestone, the executive secretary of the Sargasso Sea Commission, said: “We are very pleased to continue working with commissioners Spalding and de Mora, and delighted to welcome new Commissioner, Dr Ana Colaço.”