National Geographic Expedition to Explore Tokelau’s Underwater World
PHOTO: DEBORAH TUITAMA / NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC PRISTINE SEAS
National Geographic Pristine Seas has begun a major four-week expedition to explore the largely uncharted waters of Tokelau in the South Pacific.
Working alongside the Government of Tokelau and its Ministry of Climate, Ocean & Resilience, a team of local and international scientists and filmmakers will carry out the first comprehensive baseline survey of the nation’s nearshore reefs, offshore waters and deep-sea environments.
Tokelau may have a land area of just 12 square kilometres, spread across three coral atolls, but its ocean territory covers around 319,000 square kilometres.
Scientists aboard the Pristine Seas research vessel Argo will survey marine life while scuba diving, as well as using deep-sea cameras, environmental DNA sampling and floating video systems.
The expedition will also venture much deeper. Researchers aboard the Argonauta submersible will explore Tokelau’s little-known “twilight zone”, using imaging sonar, water and sediment sampling equipment and an almost 360-degree underwater view to document life far below the surface.
And there could be plenty to discover. Tokelau’s waters are home to endangered green and hawksbill turtles, blacktip reef sharks, giant clams and huge humphead wrasse, while its open ocean provides a migratory corridor for whale sharks.
National Geographic says the underwater environment surrounding Tokelau remains virtually unexplored by scientists, with every dive and sample helping to build a clearer picture of its marine biodiversity.
The information gathered during the expedition will help Tokelau develop its future National Ocean Policy and marine spatial plan, identifying important areas for future protection.
Filmmakers will also document the expedition and Tokelau’s close relationship with the ocean for a forthcoming documentary.
Tokelau declared its entire marine zone a shark sanctuary in 2011 and continues to face growing pressures from climate change, coral bleaching, pollution, invasive species and overfishing.
For the Pristine Seas team, the expedition offers a rare opportunity to explore one of the Pacific’s least-studied underwater environments – and perhaps discover a few surprises along the way.
