A new study will launch to examine the health of reef systems in marine protected areas in Papua New Guinea.
The expedition study is a partnership between National Geographic Pristine Seas, Papua New Guinea’s Conservation and Environment Protection Authority (CEPA) and the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS). The research team consists of national and international scientists.
Commenting on the study, Dr. Alan Friedlander, the lead scientist for National Geographic Pristine Seas, stated:
“Papua New Guinea lies in the Coral Triangle, the most biologically diverse place in the ocean, and is home to more than 2,000 species of fishes as well as a number of species that are found nowhere else on earth. Our assessment will provide a thorough understanding of the places we explore, helping to inform management and protection of the country’s unique marine environment.”
While WCS Papua New Guinea’s Community Engagement Officer July Kuri added:
“New Ireland Province has some of the most important key biodiversity areas in all of Papua New Guinea. These are very remote places where we see aggregations of species like manta rays and massive coral reefs, and we look forward to the expedition crew meeting the community custodians of these seas.”
Additionally, WCS’s Global Marine Conservation Program Executive Director Dr. Stacy Jupiter stated:
“WCS has been proud to support the collective efforts of local communities and the government in New Ireland Province to manage coastal waters critical for threatened biodiversity and local food security and livelihoods. We are eager for the results of the expedition to be used to better manage these new MPAs, as well as inform new opportunities for marine conservation in Papua New Guinea.”
