SBMA Release: Empowering Women in Seabed Research: WISE Delivers an Unprecedented Hands-On Experience

The recent Women in Science Expedition (WISE) marked a significant achievement in marine research and capacity building for Pacific women. The expedition offered participants an immersive seven-day journey at sea aboard the Anuanua Moana, aimed at developing technical skills in environmental and biological marine research.

Women In Science Expedition (WISE) Participants Back-row L-R: Dr. Antony Vavia, Mereseini Radidi, Lisi-Malia Pereira, Dr. Pedro Madureira, Dr. John Parianos, James Kora, Alanna Smith Mid-row L-R: Joyce Uan, Farida Mustafina, Hinamoeura Morgant-Cross, Dr. Belen Arias, Dr. Fanny Girard, Vaine Arioka, Eva Patai Front row L-R: Chloe Wragg, Mereana Atatoa - Carr, Tanga Jnr Morris, Rima Browne, Rosalyn Fredrikson

The programme welcomed 19 participants, including trainees from the Cook Islands, Fiji, French Polynesia, Kiribati, Samoa, and Russia, as well as international advisors from Portugal, France, Chile, Australia, and Norway. Through hands-on training in seabed research and sampling techniques, this unique initiative sought to enhance the capabilities of Pacific women in marine science.

The expedition focused on the deployment and retrieval of seabed sampling devices, such as the boxcorer and multicorer, while also conducting baited lander experiments and multibeam surveys for seafloor mapping. Each trainee had the opportunity to work closely with the scientific equipment and took on real-time responsibilities during the sampling process.

Hands-On Leadership Opportunities

In addition to receiving practical training, some trainees stepped into leadership roles at various sampling sites, a feature that set this expedition apart. While advisors were present for support, they did not manage these activities directly. From organising shifts to liaising with the vessel crew and checking the sampling equipment, trainee lead scientists were responsible for the smooth execution of the sample retrieval process. This experience provided a real-world test of their problem-solving skills in dynamic conditions.

Chief Scientist Rima Browne commended the trainees for their dedication and growth throughout the expedition. "Our main goal for WISE was to build capacity in at-sea research, and I believe we succeeded. The enthusiasm of the trainees and the expertise of our advisors created a fantastic learning environment. By the second use of the boxcorer and multicorer, the trainees had really nailed it. Huge thanks to our amazing team for making this expedition a success!"

One of the expedition's highlights was the trainees’ ability to adapt to unexpected challenges. When faced with sudden, irreparable equipment failure, the scientific team and vessel crew demonstrated flexibility. Offshore Manager John Parianos remarked, “The need for adaptability in tactical planning was a valuable lesson for the team. In the end, by adjusting our schedule, we gathered even more diverse data than initially planned. As Benjamin Franklin said, ‘Out of adversity comes opportunity.’”

A Historic Moment for the Pacific

For many participants, the WISE expedition was more than just a scientific endeavour—it was an opportunity to be part of something historic.

Eva Patai, Environmental Compliance Officer at NES, reflected on the experience: "The highlight of the trip for me was being part of something that can be considered historic for our country's development. Seeing and touching nodules that took millions of years to form, and gaining hands-on experience, sparked even more interest in the Seabed Minerals (SBM) sector. I’m excited about future opportunities to explore this field further."

Dr. Antony Vavia, a marine biologist who also participated in the programme, shared his enthusiasm: "I thoroughly enjoyed the capacity-building aspect. The environment fostered enjoyable networking while being hands-on and engaged with fieldwork. Learning about seabed research and each other's professional backgrounds was an invaluable experience."

Hinamoeura Morgant-Cross, a member of the French Polynesian Assembly, echoed this sentiment: "As a child of the Pacific, this expedition was incredible. WISE provided an amazing opportunity to learn about the seabed and witness first-hand what exploration is all about. Beyond the scientific work, it was a remarkable human experience, and a great example for future generations of Pacific women. We helped each other, pushed our limits, and supported one another. I’m proud to have been part of this expedition."

Dr. Pedro Madureira from the University of Évora highlighted the strong teamwork onboard, stating, "We came to the vessel as a group of nice people, but we left as an amazing team."

SBMA Knowledge Management Officer & Marine Scientist Tanga "TJ" Morris delivering an induction and briefing to the WISE trainees.

Scientific Discoveries and Future Research

The WISE expedition visited four key sampling sites—two within the Cook Islands Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) under a research permit, and two in the Eastern High Seas 'Pocket' area. This allowed trainees to compare samples collected from different locations, providing essential data for future scientific analysis. Initial assessments revealed notable differences between the sites, which promise exciting insights as further study progresses. The Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority will publicly share all data and findings through its established data repository as they are finalised.

James Kora, one of the two male scientist trainees on board, emphasised the expedition’s role in advancing the understanding of deep-sea ecosystems: "Cataloguing new meiofauna after each drop, using multiple sampling methods, clarified concerns I had about the unknown life in our deep waters. This is a significant step forward, from understanding the biology of small organisms to the geology of seafloor sediments."

As the WISE programme grows, participants are eager to see how their newly acquired skills will contribute to ongoing marine research and exploration. Dr. Vavia also raised important questions about future deployments: “How many baited drops have been conducted in these waters? Are we doing our best to describe the biodiversity down there? Can we do more to ensure a more thorough assessment?"

Thanks and Acknowledgments

The success of the WISE expedition would not have been possible without the support of the Anuanua Moana crew and the generous backing of key partners and contributors. A special thanks to the Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA), University of Évora, Natural History Museum, Kiva Marine, Moana Minerals Limited, CIC Limited, Cobalt Seabed Resources Limited, The Pacific Community (SPC), New Zealand’s National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA), the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, and the Norwegian Offshore Directorate, as well as the host institutions of the trainees. This pioneering initiative has not only fostered scientific understanding but also empowered a new generation of women in marine research. As more Pacific women take on leadership roles in seabed exploration, the WISE expedition marks the beginning of what promises to be an exciting journey for future marine scientists.

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