BLUE PROSPERITY MICRONESIA + NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC PRISTINE SEAS
MARINE SCIENCE EXPEDITION
Photo by Manu San Felix, National Geographic Pristine Seas
ABOUT THE EXPEDITION
A healthy ocean is central to the FSM’s economic growth, thriving communities, and a promise of a brighter future. Recognizing the significance of our ocean’s health, in October 2023, Blue Prosperity Micronesia and National Geographic Pristine Seas embarked on a nationwide marine science expedition, bridging critical knowledge gaps on our remote outer atolls and studying the impacts of climate change on our marine resources.
Building upon the extensive local Coral Reef Monitoring efforts and the Micronesia Challenge, the expedition surveyed 11 outer atolls over 46 days.
Eleven scientists from FSM, representing all four states, joined the international expedition team to survey the nation’s waters.
WHERE THE EXPEDITION WENT
The expedition began in Kosrae, traveled west to Pohnpei and Chuuk, before concluding in Yap.
EXPEDITION GOALS
Study the impacts of climate change on FSM’s marine resources
Fill critical scientific knowledge gaps on nearshore resources in FSM’s remote outer atolls.
Contribute to ongoing national and regional efforts, specifically the Micronesia Challenge.
EXPEDITION FILM
Federated States of Micronesia: Blue Prosperity is a full-length documentary exploring the nation's marine environments and the deep cultural connection between its people and the ocean.
The documentary presents findings from a nationwide marine science expedition while honoring FSM's rich cultural heritage and traditional knowledge. Through stories from each of the four states—Kosrae, Pohnpei, Chuuk, and Yap—the film reveals how ocean resources sustain local food systems, livelihoods, and economic prosperity.
The film was produced by Pristine Seas in partnership with Blue Prosperity Micronesia, the FSM National Government, and the state governments of Kosrae, Pohnpei, Chuuk, and Yap.
Watch the full documentary:
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
62 SURVEY SITES
11 OUTER ATOLLS
531 DIVES COMPLETED
6 SUBMERSIBLE DIVES
10,000+ FISH OBSERVED AND MEASURED
500+ PEOPLE TOURED THE RESEARCH VESSEL
4 PUBLIC EVENTS
Photo by Manu San Felix,
National Geographic Pristine Seas.
EXPEDITION HIGHLIGHTS
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
The expedition featured extensive community outreach and public education initiatives. Public events were held in each state for communities to engage with the local and international scientists.
More than 500 government leaders, technical partners, students and community members toured the M/V Argo, gaining insights into the state-of-the-art technologies used during the expedition.
LOCALLY LED INITIATIVE
The expedition planning team engaged in extensive consultations with state governments, mayors, and traditional leaders to secure permissions for research sites, ensuring alignment with local needs and respect for community practices.
EXPLORER CLASSROOM SESSIONS
Students in each state had an opportunity to learn from the researchers through Explorer Classroom sessions, both at schools and onboard the M/V Argo, and explore potential careers in marine science.
EXPEDITION PARTNERS
