top of page
15_NGSPS2023FSM_16112023-01788_cr Manu San Félix_A133_C026_1116JK.0001326.jpg

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.

The expedition began in Kosrae, traveled west to Pohnpei and Chuuk, before concluding in Yap.

Outer Atoll Map.png

EXPEDITION
PARTNERS

FSM_Gov.png
BPM_Logo_FINAL.png
pristine_seas_stacked_blueyellow.jpg
Yap_seal-1.png
pchuuk state seal.jpg
pohnpei state seal.jpg
pkosrae state seal.jpg
Micronesia Challenge Logo.png
MCT Logo Clear Background.png
UOG Marine Lab Logo.png
Scripps Logo.png
waitt institute logo2 color.png

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.

KEY
HIGHLIGHTS

05_NGSPS2023FSM_08112023-01767_cr Manu San Félix_MSF_9046-Mejorado-NR_Chuuk.jpg

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.

MAL03365.jpg
MAL03834.jpg
MAL02509.jpg
bottom of page