In the clear waters of Ailuk Atoll in the Marshall Islands, underwater cameras are picking up something rare in today’s oceans: large numbers of sharks and Napoleon wrasse moving through healthy coral reefs. But for scientists and communities in the Pacific nation, the discovery is only part of the story. The bigger question is whether these ecosystems can survive the growing pressure facing the Pacific.
A National Geographic Pristine Seas expedition is now surveying seven atolls including Erikub, Ailuk, Taka, Ujelang, Ailinginae, Jemo, and Enewetak. The team is working with Marshallese scientists and leaders to map biodiversity and identity areas that need protection.
