Latest news with #PristineSeas
Scoop
19-05-2025
- Scoop
NPDC's Puke Ariki Museum Hosting National Geographic Pristine Seas Exhibition
Press Release – New Plymouth District Council The exhibition, for which Puke Ariki is New Zealands exclusive venue, draws upon over a decade worth of global expeditions conducted by the National Geographic Pristine Seas project to document and protect the ocean so it can heal, rebound, and regenerate. The National Geographic Society curated photo exhibition Pristine Seas: Bringing the Ocean Back, opens at NPDC's Puke Ariki Museum on Saturday 7 June 2025. The exhibition, for which Puke Ariki is New Zealand's exclusive venue, draws upon over a decade worth of global expeditions conducted by the National Geographic Pristine Seas project to document and protect the ocean so it can heal, rebound, and regenerate. The exhibition highlights the importance of marine protected areas (MPAs) as a mechanism for protecting and restoring the world's ocean. Through the exhibition's narrative, photography, and film, visitors will learn how the Pristine Seas team supports indigenous peoples, local communities and governments in the creation of MPAs. Visitors will explore the team's expeditions ranging from the tropical coral reefs of the Southern Line Islands to the icebergs of the Antarctic Peninsula. Through stunning imagery and stories that highlight the scientific methods used on these expeditions, the exhibition will showcase Pristine Seas' continued commitment to protecting ocean life. Since 2008, the National Geographic Pristine Seas project has carried out 44 expeditions and helped establish 27 marine protected areas covering over 6.5 million square kilometres of ocean—an area more than twice the size of India. 'This exhibition exemplifies the Pristine Seas team's dedication to educating audiences about the importance of Marine Protected Areas and their contribution to a healthy ocean which provides everything from oxygen, livelihoods and food for local communities and incredible beauty,' said Emily Dunham, chief campus and experiences officer at the National Geographic Society. 'With the team's combined experience in exploration, scientific research and powerful storytelling, visitors will dive deep into strikingly beautiful stories and images from the wildest places in the ocean while learning how we must preserve it.' The Pristine Seas team combines exploration and rigorous research with powerful storytelling. The goal of this exhibition is to immerse visitors in the beauty of the sea while reiterating why we must preserve it.' Puke Ariki Museum Manager Frith Williams says local audiences are in for an eye-opening experience. 'In this special region surrounded by the moana, Puke Ariki is thrilled to share National Geographic's Pristine Seas. The stunning photographs in the show will be complemented by events for all ages, exploring how we can learn about and protect the ocean around Taranaki – from iwi-led conversation initiatives, like the shellfish rāhui, to creative activities and yoga. 'As we are the exclusive venue for the exhibition in Aotearoa, we hope people from outside the region will visit too, along with our local families and nature lovers.' National Geographic's Pristine Seas is on at Puke Ariki Museum's Temporary Gallery 7 June – 26 October. Find out more at About Pristine Seas Pristine Seas actively supports the global goal of protecting 30 per cent of the ocean by 2030. Not only will this be beneficial for marine life, but also for communities through fisheries benefits, increased food security, and mitigation of climate change. 'To protect vital ocean places, we need to combine research with compelling visuals, to inspire people through both minds and hearts. I am thrilled to bring over a decade of filming and science into the first National Geographic Pristine Seas exhibition,' said Enric Sala, National Geographic Explorer in Residence and Pristine Seas Executive Director. Fast Facts: National Geographic Society is a global nonprofit organisation 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. Its work reaches three million students each year through education offerings, and engaging audiences around the globe through signature experiences, stories and content. To learn more, visit or follow us on Instagram, X and Facebook. Puke Ariki, meaning Hill of Chiefs, stands on a former prominent Pā site in central New Plymouth, and opened as a combined library and museum in 2003. The museum presents both long-term and regularly changing exhibitions across six gallery spaces. Puke Ariki also houses a research centre, restaurant and café, and the district's isite visitor information and ticketing hub.
Scoop
19-05-2025
- Scoop
NPDC's Puke Ariki Museum Hosting National Geographic Pristine Seas Exhibition
The National Geographic Society curated photo exhibition Pristine Seas: Bringing the Ocean Back, opens at NPDC's Puke Ariki Museum on Saturday 7 June 2025. The exhibition, for which Puke Ariki is New Zealand's exclusive venue, draws upon over a decade worth of global expeditions conducted by the National Geographic Pristine Seas project to document and protect the ocean so it can heal, rebound, and regenerate. The exhibition highlights the importance of marine protected areas (MPAs) as a mechanism for protecting and restoring the world's ocean. Through the exhibition's narrative, photography, and film, visitors will learn how the Pristine Seas team supports indigenous peoples, local communities and governments in the creation of MPAs. Visitors will explore the team's expeditions ranging from the tropical coral reefs of the Southern Line Islands to the icebergs of the Antarctic Peninsula. Through stunning imagery and stories that highlight the scientific methods used on these expeditions, the exhibition will showcase Pristine Seas' continued commitment to protecting ocean life. Since 2008, the National Geographic Pristine Seas project has carried out 44 expeditions and helped establish 27 marine protected areas covering over 6.5 million square kilometres of ocean—an area more than twice the size of India. 'This exhibition exemplifies the Pristine Seas team's dedication to educating audiences about the importance of Marine Protected Areas and their contribution to a healthy ocean which provides everything from oxygen, livelihoods and food for local communities and incredible beauty,' said Emily Dunham, chief campus and experiences officer at the National Geographic Society. 'With the team's combined experience in exploration, scientific research and powerful storytelling, visitors will dive deep into strikingly beautiful stories and images from the wildest places in the ocean while learning how we must preserve it.' The Pristine Seas team combines exploration and rigorous research with powerful storytelling. The goal of this exhibition is to immerse visitors in the beauty of the sea while reiterating why we must preserve it.' Puke Ariki Museum Manager Frith Williams says local audiences are in for an eye-opening experience. 'In this special region surrounded by the moana, Puke Ariki is thrilled to share National Geographic's Pristine Seas. The stunning photographs in the show will be complemented by events for all ages, exploring how we can learn about and protect the ocean around Taranaki – from iwi-led conversation initiatives, like the shellfish rāhui, to creative activities and yoga. 'As we are the exclusive venue for the exhibition in Aotearoa, we hope people from outside the region will visit too, along with our local families and nature lovers.' National Geographic's Pristine Seas is on at Puke Ariki Museum's Temporary Gallery 7 June – 26 October. Find out more at About Pristine Seas Pristine Seas actively supports the global goal of protecting 30 per cent of the ocean by 2030. Not only will this be beneficial for marine life, but also for communities through fisheries benefits, increased food security, and mitigation of climate change. 'To protect vital ocean places, we need to combine research with compelling visuals, to inspire people through both minds and hearts. I am thrilled to bring over a decade of filming and science into the first National Geographic Pristine Seas exhibition,' said Enric Sala, National Geographic Explorer in Residence and Pristine Seas Executive Director. Fast Facts: National Geographic Society is a global nonprofit organisation 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. Its work reaches three million students each year through education offerings, and engaging audiences around the globe through signature experiences, stories and content. To learn more, visit or follow us on Instagram, X and Facebook. Puke Ariki, meaning Hill of Chiefs, stands on a former prominent Pā site in central New Plymouth, and opened as a combined library and museum in 2003. The museum presents both long-term and regularly changing exhibitions across six gallery spaces. Puke Ariki also houses a research centre, restaurant and café, and the district's isite visitor information and ticketing hub.
ABC News
11-05-2025
- Science
- ABC News
National Geographic scientists explore Tuvalu waters
A historic exploration is taking place in the waters around Tuvalu. The National Geographic's Pristine Seas project is sailing around through the Pacific on a months long expedition with a team of scientists, conservationists and documentary makers. In Tuvalu, the research they'll be conducting will be ground-breaking as few have ever been able to traverse the deep seas in the region. "We'd hope to see healthy reefs," said Pristine Seas Expedition Lead Keiron Fraser. "It's likely we will see the impacts of climate provide data to the Tuvalu Government to protect their oceans."
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
The woman unlocking the mysteries of the deep sea in Fiji
On the island of Rotuma in Fiji, Christmas is a time of joy, a celebration bursting with song, dance and laughter. Charlene Erasito remembers watching the festivities there when she was a child, captivated as people paraded through the village for 'fara,' a local Christmas celebration. Related: Trawl the sea or mine for metals? Pacific nations wrestle with how to protect oceans - and livelihoods Erasito never imagined that decades later, she would return to the same shores, no longer as a spectator but as a scientist. Erasito, now 30 years old, is the only female Pacific Islander aboard an ambitious expedition seeking to document unexplored ocean ecosystems in Fijian waters. The months-long project, led by National Geographic Pristine Seas, began in April with a crew of local and international experts. It starts with deep sea exploration and will later examine shallower parts of the ocean. The expedition began in Fiji and will also travel to Tuvalu and Tonga. Stepping on the deck of the research vessel last month, Erasito was affectionately nicknamed 'Moana' by her crew mates – a title she accepts with a laugh. 'It was funny because, as a child, I actually had a pet pig and chicken,' Erasito says, referencing the popular animated Disney film. 'Except I named them 'Pig' and 'Chicken'. Zero creativity there.' Erasito is studying for her PhD at the French national institute for ocean science and technology. The invitation to join the expedition came after her research on seamounts – underwater mountains that rise from the sea floor- and biodiversity in New Caledonia impressed the Pristine Seas team. In that project, she used remote-operated vehicles, imagery and acoustic data to explore deep-sea life. She has family links to Rotuma and was 'speechless' when asked to join the Fijian project. 'I was at work in France when the invitation came. It took me days to process and respond. It was surreal,' she says. 'I was thrilled to be going back to sea, but this expedition would be different. We would be exploring deep-sea ecosystems around my home island of Rotuma – something I never imagined I'd have the chance to do' she says. Erasito says it 'felt like a duty' to return to the Rotuma, where she remembers travelling as a child for her late father's work. She had fond memories of swimming, fishing and the beach. 'I used to listen to stories of night fishing that my dad would share or different aspects of Rotuma … but mostly the significance of the ocean to Rotuma and her people.' 'Every person we met on the island felt like family – whether or not we were actually related. That's the magic of home.' The expedition has given Erasito experience with new technologies including types of underwater cameras and video tools. 'Seeing the deep-sea footage – the fish, the corals, and the life hidden beneath the surface – was incredible. And to know we're exploring with minimal disruption to these fragile habitats was important to me.' The deep-sea part of the Rotuma exploration has wrapped up, and the vessel is on its way to Tuvalu. So far, scientists have documented diverse and healthy ecosystems, and have begun sharing their knowledge with village chiefs. At the end of the journey, they will report the full findings to government and other partners. Dr Keiron Fraser, expedition leader for Pristine Seas, said Fiji and Rotuma are home to 'an awe-inspiring array of marine life' 'Guided by our local partners, this team will help unlock the mysteries of the ocean so we can learn how to best protect it,' he said. Related: World's largest known coral discovered in Solomon Islands The Pacific Ocean is home to many, but due to its sheer size, there are areas that are yet to be fully explored. 'For many of our islands, the ocean isn't just our back yard. It's our lifeline. Protecting it starts with knowledge – and that starts with expeditions like this,' Erasito says. Fraser says Erasito's involvement has been 'inspiring for the young people in Rotuma'. 'We've been unbelievably lucky to have Charlene with us. The children loved her… a real example of what's possible.' Erasito hopes other young Pacific women will follow her path. 'The ocean is in our blood, our stories, and our responsibilities. You belong – in science, on ships, in submarines, and in rooms where ocean decisions are made. Follow your heart.'
The Guardian
09-05-2025
- Science
- The Guardian
The woman unlocking the mysteries of the deep sea in Fiji
On the island of Rotuma in Fiji, Christmas is a time of joy, a celebration bursting with song, dance and laughter. Charlene Erasito remembers watching the festivities there when she was a child, captivated as people paraded through the village for 'fara,' a local Christmas celebration. Erasito never imagined that decades later, she would return to the same shores, no longer as a spectator but as a scientist. Erasito, now 30 years old, is the only female Pacific Islander aboard an ambitious expedition seeking to document unexplored ocean ecosystems in Fijian waters. The months-long project, led by National Geographic Pristine Seas, began in April with a crew of local and international experts. It starts with deep sea exploration and will later examine shallower parts of the ocean. The expedition began in Fiji and will also travel to Tuvalu and Tonga. Stepping on the deck of the research vessel last month, Erasito was affectionately nicknamed 'Moana' by her crew mates – a title she accepts with a laugh. 'It was funny because, as a child, I actually had a pet pig and chicken,' Erasito says, referencing the popular animated Disney film. 'Except I named them 'Pig' and 'Chicken'. Zero creativity there.' Erasito is studying for her PhD at the French national institute for ocean science and technology. The invitation to join the expedition came after her research on seamounts – underwater mountains that rise from the sea floor- and biodiversity in New Caledonia impressed the Pristine Seas team. In that project, she used remote-operated vehicles, imagery and acoustic data to explore deep-sea life. She has family links to Rotuma and was 'speechless' when asked to join the Fijian project. 'I was at work in France when the invitation came. It took me days to process and respond. It was surreal,' she says. 'I was thrilled to be going back to sea, but this expedition would be different. We would be exploring deep-sea ecosystems around my home island of Rotuma – something I never imagined I'd have the chance to do' she says. Erasito says it 'felt like a duty' to return to the Rotuma, where she remembers travelling as a child for her late father's work. She had fond memories of swimming, fishing and the beach. 'I used to listen to stories of night fishing that my dad would share or different aspects of Rotuma … but mostly the significance of the ocean to Rotuma and her people.' 'Every person we met on the island felt like family – whether or not we were actually related. That's the magic of home.' The expedition has given Erasito experience with new technologies including types of underwater cameras and video tools. 'Seeing the deep-sea footage – the fish, the corals, and the life hidden beneath the surface – was incredible. And to know we're exploring with minimal disruption to these fragile habitats was important to me.' The deep-sea part of the Rotuma exploration has wrapped up, and the vessel is on its way to Tuvalu. So far, scientists have documented diverse and healthy ecosystems, and have begun sharing their knowledge with village chiefs. At the end of the journey, they will report the full findings to government and other partners. Dr Keiron Fraser, expedition leader for Pristine Seas, said Fiji and Rotuma are home to 'an awe-inspiring array of marine life' 'Guided by our local partners, this team will help unlock the mysteries of the ocean so we can learn how to best protect it,' he said. The Pacific Ocean is home to many, but due to its sheer size, there are areas that are yet to be fully explored. 'For many of our islands, the ocean isn't just our back yard. It's our lifeline. Protecting it starts with knowledge – and that starts with expeditions like this,' Erasito says. Fraser says Erasito's involvement has been 'inspiring for the young people in Rotuma'. 'We've been unbelievably lucky to have Charlene with us. The children loved her… a real example of what's possible.' Erasito hopes other young Pacific women will follow her path. 'The ocean is in our blood, our stories, and our responsibilities. You belong – in science, on ships, in submarines, and in rooms where ocean decisions are made. Follow your heart.'
