Scientists embark on an ocean expedition to study Tuvalu's marine life

By Pacific Island Times News Staff

Funafuti, Tuvalu (Pristine Seas)— More than 15 scientists and filmmakers from National Geographic Pristine Seas begin an expedition this week to study the health of Tuvalu’s marine environments in the hopes of advancing ocean conservation.

The months-long research expedition will explore Tuvalu’s ocean — from deep sea to lagoons to coral reefs — a majority of which have never been studied in-depth before.

The expedition is a partnership between Pristine Seas and the Tuvalu government. Pristine Seas will share data gathered during the expedition with the country’s government, which can be used to inform ocean management plans and help Tuvalu officials decide which parts of their ocean to protect.

This expedition comes at a crucial time, as Tuvalu is in the process of developing its National Ocean Policy to ensure the protection of their waters.

Scientists from Tuvalu will play an integral role in the expedition, contributing to the research and sharing their knowledge of the ocean.

Tuvalu’s six low-lying atolls and three reef islands contain a rich array of ocean life. Silky sharks, giant clams, bumphead parrotfish, tuna, Hawksbill turtles and hundreds of other species call Tuvalu’s waters home.

But rising sea levels and coastal erosion are threatening marine ecosystems and the communities that depend on them.

“The ocean is our livelihood, our home and our connection to our ancestors,” said Feleti Teo, Tuvalu’s prime minister. “In order to effectively protect our ocean, we need robust marine biodiversity data, particularly in areas that have not yet been studied. It is important that we come together to ensure a healthy ocean for future generations here in Tuvalu to continue to enjoy.”

The team will begin its expedition by exploring the deep sea through cameras that sit on the bottom of the ocean floor and via their state-of-the-art submersible the Argonauta.

An underwater science lab, the sub can dive 1,300 meters and enables passengers to view ocean life from every angle and in real-time. Using deep-sea cameras, the team will conduct some of the first-ever assessments of Tuvalu’s deepest ocean habitats.

Living and working aboard Pristine Seas’ research vessel, the Argo, scientists will use baited remote underwater video systems, conduct SCUBA surveys, count and identify seabirds, and more. Data from the surveys will help scientists estimate the abundance of marine species in Tuvalu, including threatened species like humphead wrasse, baramundi cod, and Herman sea cucumbers.

Currently, Tuvalu has one nationally designated marine protected zone — the Funafuti Conservation Area — that encompasses 33 sq. km. of reef, lagoon and islets on the western side of Funafuti atoll. Pristine Seas hopes the data collected during the expedition will empower the creation of more marine protected areas, which can help build resilient ecosystems and communities.

“A healthy coral reef ecosystem can protect families and communities from the destructive effects of sea level rise, flooding, and coastal erosion,” said Keiron Fraser, Pristine Seas expedition leader for the Tuvalu expedition. “With local scientists as our guides, we will help identify areas of the ocean that could benefit the most from marine protected areas and help build resilience against a warming planet.”

Tuvalu’s location between the Pacific Island Nations of Fiji, Rotuma, and Vanuatu gives the team a special chance to study how the ocean ecosystems are interconnected. Shallow areas on the ocean floor — like underwater plateaus or ridges — likely act as natural pathways connecting marine life between these regions.

“The ocean ecosystem is all connected — no one part is isolated from other parts," explained Whitney Goodell, lead scientist for deep-sea research during Pristine Seas’ expedition in Tuvalu. “To effectively protect marine life, it's crucial to understand and safeguard areas of the ocean that may support important regional linkages.”

Throughout the expedition, Pristine Seas filmmakers will capture footage for a documentary film about Tuvalu’s deep relationship with the ocean and bold vision for the future. The film will center on the voices of people who live in Tuvalu — elders, youth, fishers, scientists, and leaders — sharing stories of life on land and at sea. Through scenes of daily life, cultural traditions, and scientific discovery, the film will explore how those living in Tuvalu are protecting their resources, upholding their identity, and forging a path toward ocean stewardship and climate resilience.

“Our ocean is under threat, and as its custodians, we have a moral obligation to protect it,” said Hon. Maina Vakafua Talia, Minister of Environment in Tuvalu. “We are excited to partner with National Geographic Pristine Seas on its expedition in Tuvalu, which will build upon and complement the existing research and traditional knowledge of our home — the Pacific Ocean.”