The Ocean Exploration Trust, in partnership with Palau, has made groundbreaking discoveries through the Lebuu Voyage, an expedition dedicated to mapping and exploring the Palau National Marine Sanctuary. After a yearlong planning, the Trust’s research vessel, Nautilus, has uncovered a variety of previously unknown marine species and mapped vast underwater areas, revealing a richly diverse and ecologically critical habitat.
One of the expedition’s most notable finds is a 4,500-year-old black coral, adding to the inventory of Palau’s unique marine biodiversity. Dense coral gardens, rich in sponges and other marine life forms, have also been identified, helping scientists gain a clearer understanding of the sanctuary’s ecosystem. The expedition team, equipped with advanced seafloor mapping sonars and sampling tools, has conducted multiple dives, collected valuable samples, and completed extensive seafloor mapping—covering an area comparable to making 50 round trips across Palau’s main island.
