Blue Prosperity Micronesia and National Geographic Pristine Seas Expedition Commence Final Phase of Marine Science Expedition

President Simina joined the expedition team in Chuuk and reaffirmed FSM’s commitment to marine protection.

Weno, Chuuk – (November 6, 2023) – Blue Prosperity Micronesia and National Geographic Pristine Seas are embarking on the final leg of a nationwide marine science expedition. The expedition began in Kosrae on Oct. 14 and will conclude on Nov. 22 in Yap. The final phase of the expedition will visit Nomwin, Namonuito, Pulap, Poluwat in Chuuk and West Fayu, Ifalik, Wolei, Sorol in Yap.

His Excellency President Wesley Simina joined the Blue Prosperity Micronesia and National Geographic Pristine Seas expedition team in Chuuk, expressing enthusiasm about the comprehensive data collected from the expedition. President Simina highlighted, “In order to make informed decisions about our ocean, we need to have a better understanding of what’s beneath the surface. I am confident that this team will contribute valuable knowledge and data for the betterment of Chuuk and the rest of the nation.”

President Simina also expressed support for the BPM program, reinforcing the Federated States of Micronesia’s commitment to marine protection. He remarked, “The Chuukese phrase, Matawach iei Manawach, or Our Ocean, Our Life, rings true all over the FSM and the Pacific. As a large ocean state, we have made a commitment to protecting 30% of our ocean to preserve our natural and cultural heritage. We are already working towards these goals through initiatives such as Blue Prosperity Micronesia and the Micronesia Challenge. This expedition is the next critical step in getting us there.”

Senator Perpetua Konman and Tara Shaniah Arnold, a recent Global Environmental Studies graduate, also joined the expedition team for an extraordinary deep sea dive. The descent took them to a depth of 150 meters, offering an exceptional opportunity to experience Chuuk’s underwater environments. The customized research vessel, the M/V Argo, is equipped with a safe and proven submersible named ‘DeepSee.’ The DeepSee is rated to reach depths up to 457 meters (~1,500 feet) and has conducted more than 3,600 dives safely.

Senator Konman stated, “As the first woman elected to Congress, I take immense pride in sharing this extraordinary experience with one of our nation’s rising environmental champions.”

Shaniah Arnold recently received her Master of Arts in Global Environmental Studies from Sophia University in Tokyo, Japan as a Bill Raynor Micronesia Challenge scholar. As she prepares to begin her career, the deep sea dive provided her with motivation for her work. “Having the privilege to witness the ocean from the submersible was an honor. Observing our underwater environments up close reinforced the responsibility to protect our ocean. I am now more motivated than ever in my career path.”

The expedition team also held several community outreach engagements in Chuuk, conducting public tours of the research vessel, a public event at Transco Dock, and delivering educational presentations to more than 150 students at Xavier High School and Akoyikoyi School.

Dr. Nicole Yamase, Blue Prosperity Micronesia Science Advisor, found the youth engagement motivating. She expressed, “I was thrilled to see so many young students in Chuuk engage with the exciting marine research that is happening in their backyard. Witnessing the enthusiasm of Chuuk’s upcoming generation of ocean activists and stewards is truly inspiring.”

Paul Rose, National Geographic Pristine Seas Expedition Leader, “Thanks to the Federated States of Micronesia Government, President Simina and our excellent partners, Blue Prosperity Micronesia, our Chuuk visit has been a great opportunity for us to learn from the local community and the local students. We have been able to conduct our science and media dives successfully in order to meet our expedition objectives and look forward to sharing initial findings soon.”

Expedition planning has required collaboration and consultations with the state government, mayors and traditional leaders. The Blue Prosperity Micronesia and National Geographic Pristine Seas teams recently met with the Chuukese mayors to gather further feedback on the expedition route and proposed research sites to ensure that the expedition aligns with Chuuk’s needs and respects customary and community practices.

Blue Prosperity Micronesia and National Geographic Pristine Seas have partnered to embark on a large-scale scientific expedition to study FSM’s marine environments to benefit the nation’s current and future generations. The results of the expedition will allow the FSM to understand the current health of the ocean and will inform the best way to protect and sustainably manage the nation’s marine resources.

ABOUT

Blue Prosperity Micronesia is a program to support the sustainable growth of marine resources in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM). This program is government-led, with the goal to optimize ocean uses, protect 30% of FSM’s waters, strengthen fisheries management, and support the development of marine industries.

National Geographic Pristine Seas works with Indigenous and local communities, governments, and other partners to help protect vital places in the ocean using a unique combination of research, community engagement, policy work, and strategic communications and media. Since 2008, our program has conducted 41 expeditions around the world and helped establish 26 marine reserves, spanning more than 6.6 million square kilometers of ocean.