In Papua New Guinea, explorers study one of the most biodiverse oceans on Earth

PORT MORESBY, July 19, 2024—A new study of Papua New Guinea’s ocean begins this week, as scientists use cutting-edge technology to assess the waters’ health and support the country’s conservation efforts. Gathering data from locally-protected marine areas and previously unexplored marine ecosystems, the team of local and international scientists is shedding light on one of the most biodiverse oceans on the planet.

"Papua New Guinea lies in the Coral Triangle, the most biologically diverse place in the ocean, and is home to more than 2,000 species of fishes as well as a number of species that are found nowhere else on earth,” remarked Dr. Alan Friedlander, lead scientist for National Geographic Pristine Seas’ expedition in the country. “Our assessment will provide a thorough understanding of the places we explore, helping to inform management and protection of the country’s unique marine environment,” he continued.

The three-month expedition is a partnership between National Geographic Pristine Seas, the government of Papua New Guinea’s Conservation and Environment Protection Authority (CEPA), and Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS). The team is studying the ocean in New Ireland Province and Manus Province—both of which boast stunning beauty and unique marine life.

Living and working aboard the Argo research vessel, scientists are using research methods such as deep sea cameras, remote underwater video, SCUBA dive surveys, seabird counts, photo mosaics, environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling, and other techniques to offer insights about opportunities for national marine protected areas (MPAs).

“Inviting scientists from Papua New Guinea and around the globe to study the health of our ocean during this expedition is a critical first step to protecting the ocean that sustains our livelihoods, food security and economic development,” said Yvonne Tio, Executive Manager Marine Environment at CEPA. “Leveraging our partners’ innovative scientific tools enables us to see the wonders and mysteries of the ocean as never before—and to take action to conserve, protect and sustainably manage the natural assets of our ocean,” she noted.

Experts from Papua New Guinea are an integral part of the team, contributing to research and sharing their deep knowledge of the ocean. In addition, a team of Pristine Seas filmmakers is working on land, learning about communities’ personal connections to the sea and helping to memorialize traditional ocean protection practices.

“Threats to Papua New Guinea’s ocean are varied and interlinked—from illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing to global warming,” remarked Jelta Wong, the country’s Minister for Fisheries and Marine Resources. “In order to effectively manage our marine resources, we need robust scientific data for areas that have not yet been studied. I’m proud that we are all standing together to ensure a healthy ocean for future generations here in Papua New Guinea.”

In November 2023, Papua New Guinea tripled its ocean protections by announcing nearly 17,000 km² of provincially-protected MPAs in its Lovongai and Murat jurisdictions. Brought into being through the collaboration and will of local communities and WCS, the project involved more than 9,000 people from 100+ Indigenous communities—and were the first MPAs in the world with measures designed to protect the most threatened groups of sharks and rays.

"WCS has been proud to support the collective efforts of local communities and the government in New Ireland Province to manage coastal waters critical for threatened biodiversity and local food security and livelihoods," said Dr. Stacy Jupiter, Executive Director of WCS' Global Marine Conservation Program. "We are eager for the results of the expedition to be used to better manage these new MPAs, as well as inform new opportunities for marine conservation in Papua New Guinea."

Papua New Guinea’s ocean is critically important partly because of its coral reefs, which contribute benefits to local communities and help marine life thrive. Its waters host more than 600 hard coral species and the greatest concentration of clownfish diversity in the world. Charismatic marine species found in Papua New Guinea include dugongs, sharks, rays, sperm whales, green turtles, leatherback turtles, humphead wrasse, bumphead parrotfish, a variety of seabirds and more. Scientists on the expedition will get a closer look at this unique ecosystem and share findings with community members and leaders.

“A healthy ocean provides everything from the oxygen we breathe and moments of wonder to jobs and food for people who depend on it,” stated Dr. Enric Sala, National Geographic Explorer in Residence and Executive Director of Pristine Seas. “Papua New Guinea’s waters are distinctive, in that they provide a home for a stunning array of marine life. We are thrilled to study its ocean, at the invitation of the government, and are hopeful that our science will inform further marine protections for the benefit of all.”

About National Geographic Pristine Seas

National Geographic Pristine Seas works with Indigenous and local communities, governments and other partners to help protect vital places in the ocean using a unique combination of research, community engagement, policy work, strategic communications and media. Since 2008, our program has conducted 44 expeditions around the world and helped establish 27 marine reserves, spanning more than 6.6 million square kilometers of ocean.

Pristine Seas kicked off its Global Expedition in 2023 with a mission to spend five years exploring the tropical Pacific and supporting communities and governments in their efforts to protect the ocean. After a robust itinerary of expeditions in 2023, where the team explored and studied the Southern Line Islands, Tongareva, Niue, The Republic of the Marshall Islands and the Federated States of Micronesia, 2024 began with Palau and continues with Papua New Guinea. For updates from the field, follow @natgeopristineseas on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Threads, and read firsthand accounts from the expedition in our Field Notes.