The Ocean

Southern Line Islands Expedition

Photo: Red snapper

Red snapper, with a school of soldierfish, swimming near Vostok Island

Photograph by Enric Sala

Southern Line Islands

During the spring of 2009, Enric Sala and a team of scientists returned to the central Pacific—this time to the southern Line Islands, a province of the Republic of Kiribati located some 2,000 miles (3,200 kilometers) south of Hawaii. These are among the most remote and isolated atolls on Earth. They are rarely visited. No person calls them home.

The team spent six weeks visiting Flint, Vostok, Millennium, Starbuck, and Malden islands. They observed and documented water quality, fish populations, predator populations, and the health and diversity of the coral reef itself—the heart of the tropical marine ecosystem. Renowned terrestrial ecologist and conservationist Mike Fay conducted above-water transects on the islands.

The expedition was the first comprehensive study of its kind. Researchers hope to use the data to establish a baseline model for healthy coral reefs, to quantify the effects of human activity on these ecosystems, and to devise a blueprint for the conservation of already degraded reefs.

Share

Email

More »

Related Features

Pristine Seas Videos

Ocean Videos

Proud Supporters

 

Video: NG Live! Pitcairn Islands



National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence Enric Sala dives deep into the waters of one of the most pristine places on Earth—the Pitcairn Islands—only to discover its delicate ecosystem is not as unspoiled as it may seem.

Ocean Topics

Your Ocean

  • Photo: Clown anemonefish

    For Kids

    Learn about the ocean with activities, photos, and games.

  • Photo: A school of fish and a shark swim in a coral reef.

    Ocean Education

    Bring engaging and important ocean learning to your classroom.

Explore the Ocean

  • shark-eden-ocena-store-promo.jpg

    Ocean Life

    Order ocean books, DVDs, maps, and more from the National Geographic online store.

  • Photo: Leopard seals on a glacier

    Ocean Special Issue

    Explore the world's oceans, from their prehistoric beginnings to modern-day efforts to preserve their natural wonder.

  • Photo: Ocean Atlas from National Geographic

    Ocean: An Illustrated Atlas

    Immerse yourself in the wonders of the deep through colorful maps, photos, and satellite images.

Engage, Conserve, Restore

  • Photo: Sunset at waterfalls

    Freshwater Initiative

    The National Geographic Society’s freshwater initiative is a multi-year global effort to inspire and empower individuals and communities to conserve freshwater and preserve the extraordinary diversity of life that rivers, lakes, and wetlands sustain.