Pristine Seas to work with Indigenous and regional partners the Government of Canada and Oceans North Washington DC June 23 222—National Geographic Pristine Seas a global marine conservation initiative will launch an expedition to priority marine conservation sites across the Arctic and Subarctic that have been identified by Indigenous leadership and the Canadian government. The expedition is in partnership with Oceans North an organization dedicated to supporting marine conservation in partnership with Indigenous and coastal communities. Oceans North is helping facilitate the expedition in collaboration with Indigenous and regional partners and will have staff on board the vessel.
The expedition includes a multidisciplinary team that will explore and document the unique and largely understudied underwater ecosystems and a media team that will capture footage to produce two documentary films. The science research and documentary films are intended to support marine conservation in the regions. Scientists onboard will use various research methods including underwater visual census seafloor sampling remote cameras and environmental DNA eDNA analysis—a method of collecting trace biological materials to identify species. The data gathered will be used to develop a scientific paper with the expeditions results which will contribute to deeper understanding of the biodiversity and ecosystems of James Bay Hudson Bay and the waters of Nunatsiavut. The scientific findings will support Indigenousled conservation.
The Pristine Seas media team has joined over thirty expeditions and produced dozens of films supporting the creation of new marine protected areas around the world by showcasing critical underwater ecosystems and the communities that depend on them. Recently the team produced the Emmy award winning documentary The Last Ice Pristine Seas first featurelength film that tells the story of Inuit communities fighting to protect the rapidly changing Arctic that has been their home for centuries. The two documentaries from the expedition will amplify the voices of Indigenous and regional leaders and support their efforts towards marine protection and stewardship.
During the months of July and August the expedition will study five priority areas and take place aboard the MV Polar Prince a 22 ft 67 meter Indigenousowned Canadianflagged research icebreaker. To follow along during the expedition Pristine Seas will be sharing regular field updates on Instagram and Twitter. Pristine Seas will study and document Canadas Arctic and subArctic regions to support our Indigenous and regional partners and the Government of Canadas shared goal to create new marine protected areas said Enric Sala National Geographic Explorer in Residence and Executive Director of National Geographic Pristine Seas.
Joining Pristine Seas as partners onboard the Polar Prince during the expedition will be representatives from Indigenous and regional partners the Government of Canada and Oceans North. Additionally Students on Ice SOI Foundation an educational organization that fosters in situ experiences for youth in the Polar Regions and beyond will be on board with Indigenous young adults who will gain handson expedition conservation and scientific research experience. We have been working with National Geographic Pristine Seas and Oceans North to ensure the importance of the area to Inuit and that our historical usage and knowledge of the land sea and ice is told through our voices. It is crucial to have traditional Inuit knowledge coupled with science to ensure our understanding of the area is comprehensive said Johannes Lampe President Nunatsiavut Government. Were excited to partner with National Geographic Pristine Seas on this expedition which will help support marine conservation and shine a light on the successes of local governments and communities said Louie Porta Executive Director Oceans North.
The SOI Foundation is very pleased to be collaborating on this important journey in Canadas North and to help engage and inspire young leaders from communities throughout the region said Geoff Green Founder SOI Foundation. The Eeyou Marine Region Wildlife Board is excited and honored for the opportunity to support this global marine initiative led by the worldrenowned National Geographic Pristine Seas. This expedition will serve not only to expand our local knowledge of the wildlife and natural components that form the current climate of our marine landscape for the coastal James Bay Cree communities of the Eeyou Istchee but will also connect our Region in a global effort to protect and conserve our Earths marine areas for future generations said Angela Coxon Director Eeyou Marine Region Wildlife Board.
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