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In the Solomon Islands, Scientists, Filmmakers, and Leaders Explore the Ocean in Hopes of Protecting it
National Geographic Pristine Seas brings scientific and filmmaking capabilities to support ocean conservation in the Solomon Islands
Honiara, Solomon Islands (16 October 2024) — More than 15 scientists and filmmakers begin an expedition today to study the health of the Solomon Islands’ ocean environments, from shallow reefs to the deep sea. The months-long expedition — a partnership between National Geographic Pristine Seas, the Government of the Solomon Islands, key members of Ocean12, and the Solomon Islands Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD) — will use cutting-edge technology to better understand the country’s nearshore marine ecosystem in hopes of advancing ocean conservation.
Located in the Coral Triangle, the global center of marine biodiversity, the Solomon Islands support a vast array of plant and animal species among diverse coral reef, mangrove, seagrass, and rainforest ecosystems.
“As Solomon Islanders, we have a deep connection to the ocean,” said Nelly Kere, Senior Environment Officer for the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM) in the Solomon Islands. “It forms an integral part of our daily livelihood, culture, and social and economic benefits therefore it is our priority to sustainably manage and conserve our rich and unique marine ecosystems for present and future generations.”
The country is home to a rich diversity of marine species such as the endemic stingray, the Guadalcanal Maskray, the Galathea Sand Dart and the Dugong, along with hundreds of seabirds, and six of the world’s seven species of marine turtles. Many of the species living in the sea surrounding the Solomon Islands are found nowhere else on Earth.
“The ocean supports our livelihoods and our national economy and is an intricate part of our culture, heritage and identity,” said Susan Sulu, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology in the Solomon Islands (MECDM). “We will support all efforts to ensure that our oceans remain healthy to continue providing for our needs.”
The team of marine scientists, ornithologists, filmmakers, and explorers will study three unique sites across the Solomon Islands: Marau in the Southeast Guadalcanal area; the Three Sisters Islands in the Makira-Ulawa Province; and several islands across the Temotu Province.
“Every person on Earth depends on the ocean for the air we breathe,” said Paul Rose, National Geographic Pristine Seas’ expedition leader in the Solomon Islands. “The more we understand the ocean’s mysteries, the better chance we have of protecting it. We are grateful to work alongside local experts to fill data gaps that will, hopefully, allow for more of this beautiful country’s ocean to be conserved.”
Living and working aboard the Argo research vessel, the team of local and international crew members will assess the ocean’s health with deep sea cameras, SCUBA dive surveys, seabird counts, underwater visual surveys, environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling, micropaleo sampling and more.
Pristine Seas’ new submersible, the Argonauta, will also be aboard — enabling team members to explore the deep sea, weather permitting. An underwater science lab, the sub can dive 1,300 meters underwater and quietly maneuver in all directions, much like a drone. It can get close to reefs, walls, and seamounts in a safe and unobtrusive manner. The sub comes equipped with mud and water samplers, an 8K (4320 pixel) UHD camera, imaging sonar, adjustable underwater lighting, and scaling lasers. Passengers will be able to view underwater life from every angle and in real-time.
“Guided by the needs of the country and its people, the data that we collect on this journey will support their efforts towards marine conservation,” remarked Molly Timmers, lead scientist for National Geographic Pristine Seas’ expedition in the country. “Having the opportunity to work alongside local scientists, partners, and community members who all have such incredible knowledge, experience, and connection to the ocean is priceless.”
In collaboration with National Geographic Education and MEHRD, educators and students are invited to join the expedition through special visits to the Argo. “Ship Days” in Honiara, Kira Kira, and Lata will provide opportunities for local classrooms to meet the Pristine Seas scientists, filmmakers and crew to explore exciting career paths and learn about the expedition. Explorer Classroom: Ocean Expedition to the Solomon Islands offers two livestream sessions from the expedition that will feature scientists that immerse learners in the captivating world beneath the ocean waves. In addition, eight primary school and secondary school educators from the Solomon Islands will join a special portion of the expedition to the Russell Islands. These educators will learn alongside Pristine Seas and then use their experience to create educational resources with MEHRD for use in Solomon Island schools.
The Solomon Islands currently has two conservation areas, Arnavon Community Marine Park and Tetepare Island. The Arnavon Community Marine Conservation Area, created in 1955, was the first protected area to be established and nationally recognized in Solomon Islands. It remains the only one to date, covers 169 km² of ocean, and is managed by the local users and community members. Tetepare Island is a community-led conservation area managed by the Tetepare Descendants' Association (TDA), a local organization made up of the island's legal owners. The TDA established a 13 km-long Marine Protected Area (MPA) in 2003 which is a permanent no-take zone.
Pristine Seas aims to provide critical information, especially for nearshore regions not fully addressed in the current Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) process, offering opportunities to expand and enhance marine protections in the Solomon Islands.
“I am concerned that there is an increasing loss of global biodiversity,” remarked Hon. Trevor Hedley Mahaga, the Minister of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM) in the Solomon Islands. “The National Geographic Pristine Seas expedition will give us greater understanding of the state of our oceans, which will inform the design of policies and strategies to protect our oceans and marine resources for now and the future.”
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About National Geographic Pristine Seas
National Geographic Pristine Seas works with Indigenous and local communities, governments, and other partners to protect vital places in the ocean through research, policy, and filmmaking. Since 2008, Pristine Seas has helped establish 30 marine protected areas, spanning more than 6.9 million square kilometers of ocean.
Pristine Seas is part of the global non-profit, the National Geographic Society. Our mission is driven by science and filmmaking — we are fully independent from National Geographic publishing and its media arm.
Pristine Seas' work is made possible through the generous support of the Beagle Charitable Foundation, Allison Bennington, Bezos Earth Fund, Bloomberg Philanthropies, The Campbell Foundation, Disney Conservation Fund, Don Quixote Foundation, The Heinz Family Foundation, Anne K. Howson, Levy Foundation, LGT Venture Philanthropy, Lindblad Expeditions– National Geographic Fund, Look and See Foundation, Ann Luskey, Oracle, Philip Stephenson Foundation, Postcode Lottery Group, Rituals, Serventi Family Foundation, Tanka Foundation, Ted and Michele Waitt–TTMMC Fund, UBS Optimus Foundation, Walmart Foundation, an anonymous donor, and other individual donors.
About The National Geographic Society
The National Geographic Society is a global nonprofit organization that uses the power of science, exploration, education and storytelling to illuminate and protect the wonder of our world. Since 1888, National Geographic has pushed the boundaries of exploration, investing in bold people and transformative ideas, providing more than 15,000 grants for work across all seven continents, reaching 3 million students each year through education offerings, and engaging audiences around the globe through signature experiences, stories and content.
To learn more, visit www.nationalgeographic.org or follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook.
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