A concerning decline has been observed in Solomon Islands beche-de-mer population by a National Geographic Pristine Seas expedition. The National Geographic Pristine Seas is a project aimed at exploring and protecting vital places in the ocean. Launched in 2008 by the National Geographic Explorer in Residence Enric Sala, it has helped establish 29 of the largest marine protected areas in the world.
During their research in Solomon Islands, the team employed advanced techniques, including SCUBA diving, seabird counts, underwater visual surveys, environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling, and the use of a submersible capable of reaching depths of 1,300 meters.These methods were applied across various sites, such as Marau in East Guadalcanal, the Three Sisters Islands and Sunken Island in Makira-Ulawa Province and Lata, Tinakula, Reef Islands, Nukapu and Duff Islands in Temotu Province.
At the expedition’s closing ceremony at the Heritage Park Hotel on Monday, Lead Scientist and Marine Ecologist Dr Molly Timmers, pictured, highlighted the importance of their findings.
