Prime Minister Jotham Napat has officially launched the National Geographic Pristine Seas Expedition in Port Vila over the weekend.
The expedition is a month-long scientific mission aimed at protecting Vanuatu’s marine ecosystems.
In his remarks, Prime Minister Napat emphasized the importance of the ocean to Vanuatu.
“Our ocean is our biggest asset and source of our livelihood, but it is under threat from frequent cyclones and overfishing,” he said.
He added that the mission will support the establishment of new marine protected areas, along with management and financing plans.
“The success of this mission is critical to Vanuatu and its efforts to fight global warming, food insecurity, enhance the blue economy, and protect 30% of our ocean by 2030.”
The study is part of a global five-year mission launched in 2023 and will cover waters around Banks and Torres, the Tongoa wall, and parts of Malekula.
The expedition brings together National Geographic, the Vanuatu Government, scientists, expert divers including one local fisheries officer, chiefs, and communities.
Head of Maritime and Ocean Affairs, Tony Tevi, said major changes have already been observed in Vanuatu’s waters, based on a previous study conducted by the Waitt Institute, whom their marine expedition focused on only 10 meters deep in all parts of Vanuatu.
He explained that this new mission will go deeper than 10 meters in specific areas, using advanced technology to gather data that will help government decision-making in the years ahead.
“Now they will explore beyond 10 meters into deeper waters, areas where we’ve never had data before. Ten years later, we can request them to return and compare, to see if fish and coral are still there. That information will help government decisions,” Tevi said.
Expedition leader Dr. Paul Rose assured Prime Minister Napat that the findings will provide crucial data for national planning.
“We make the field observations, collect the science data, and hand the reports over to you for decision-making.”
The team has already set sail with advanced equipment, including a submarine and underwater cameras, to begin their research and prepare reports for the Vanuatu Government.
