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Scientists Launch Ocean Expedition in Tuvalu to Study and Safeguard Marine Life
National Geographic Pristine Seas will study areas of Tuvalu’s ocean that are little-known — like the deep sea — and create a documentary film
Photo by Jon Betz, National Geographic Pristine Seas
Funafuti, Tuvalu (6 May 2025) — More than 15 scientists and filmmakers from National Geographic Pristine Seas begin an expedition today 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 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 who depend on them.
“The ocean is our livelihood, our home and our connection to our ancestors,” said Tuvalu’s Prime Minister Hon. Feleti Teo. “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 square kilometers 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.”
In collaboration with the Tuvalu Ministry of Education, educators and students will board the Argo for “Ship Days,” an opportunity to meet the scientists, filmmakers and crew, so they can explore exciting career paths and learn more about marine science.
Pristine Seas started 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. The Tuvalu expedition will be the tenth stop on the Global Expedition. As part of its Global Expedition, the team has explored and studied the Southern Line Islands, Tongareva, Niue, The Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, Palau, Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. From April to September of 2025, Pristine Seas will study the waters of Fiji and Rotuma. For updates from the expedition follow @natgeopristineseas on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Threads or read our Field Notes.
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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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