Pristine Seas to Document the Coral Reefs of Niue—the “Rock of Polynesia,” an Ocean Protection Success Story

Photo Credit: Manu San Félix/Pristine Seas: Retrieved from blog.nationalgeographic.org

National Geographic Pristine Seas, in collaboration with the Governments of Niue (GON) and Tofia Niue, embarked today on a scientific survey to document marine biodiversity in the small island nation known for its crystal clear waters teeming with sealife—from humpback whales  to marine snakes.  Pristine Seas researchers and filmmakers and regional experts are aboard the R/V Argo, a vessel outfitted with cutting-edge scientific equipment, to survey the fully protected, 127,000 square-kilometer Niue Moana Mahu Marine Protected Area (MPA), established in 2020 by the Niue government. Pristine Seas conducted scientific research that informed the creation of the MPA.

“Niuean’s, like most voyaging Pacific Island people, come from a long history of living in harmony with the ocean – we only exist because of her rich ecosystems” said Coral Pasisi, President of Tofia Niue, a local nonprofit organization leading a public private partnership with the GON to protect Niue’s ocean in perpetuity. “Fewer than 1700 of us live on our tiny island nation, a mosaic of ancient coral gardens rising from the glistening turquoise waters of the South Pacific, but each and every resident depends on and respects the moana (ocean) around them. Niue has continued its collaboration with Pristine Seas on this expedition to further survey and document difficult-to-reach marine areas to learn more about how the country can safeguard its precious marine ecosystems, for the sake of the nation, the region and the planet.”

Located in the South Pacific, 1,300 miles northeast of New Zealand between Fiji, Samoa and Tonga, Niue is one of the largest elevated coral atolls in the world. The small island nation has made recent moves to gain recognition as a unique cultural and ecotourism destination with draws like snorkeling the amazing tide pools, respectful interactions with nursing humpback whales, and uga—or giant coconut crab—tours, spectacular star gazing as a Dark Skies Nation, and a role model for global marine conservation.