Expedition team member Te Mata Patai removes taramea (crown-of-thorns starfish) from the reef at Avana Passage.

Seeking solutions for a healthier ocean in 15 photos

From the waters of an Arctic archipelago all the way to the Southern Ocean and marine waters in between, these photos show National Geographic Explorers at work.

Expedition team member Te Mata Patai removes taramea (crown-of-thorns starfish) from the reef at Avana Passage.
Photograph by Giacomo d'Orlando, National Geographic
October 22, 2025

National Geographic Explorers participating in the National Geographic and Rolex Perpetual Planet Ocean Expeditions are conducting scientific research across Earth’s most crucial ecosystem. Through trailblazing expeditions throughout the world’s ocean, and alongside coastal communities, Explorers are using innovative technology to research solutions to growing challenges.

These photos share their stories and a glimpse into the expansive work to help protect marine ecosystems. Learn more about National Geographic and Rolex Perpetual Planet Expeditions at NationalGeographic.org.

Rarotonga, Cook Islands

National Geographic Explorer Dr. Anya Brown (left) and team member Dr. Rachael Bay (right) recording measurements and data at the coral nursery.
National Geographic Explorer Dr. Anya Brown (left) and team member Dr. Rachael Bay (right) recording measurements and data at the coral nursery.

National Geographic Explorer Anya Brown is leading the National Geographic and Rolex Perpetual Planet Ocean Expedition in the Cook Islands to investigate the role of genetic diversity in coral reef resilience to rising ocean temperatures and bleaching, and to replicate the natural mechanisms that promote heat tolerance among corals. The expedition partners with Kōrero O Te `Ōrau, a Rarotongan environmental NGO that seeks to raise a generation of environmental guardians who form deep and meaningful connections with their culture and environment, to restore the coral reefs in Rarotonga.

From seashore to seafloor and from pole to pole, National Geographic and Rolex Perpetual Planet Ocean Expeditions examine the causes and impacts of marine systems change throughout the largest and most vital ecosystem on Earth — the Ocean — to generate bold and innovative solutions in partnership with the coastal communities whose lives and livelihoods depend on it. The multi-year exploration of all five basins of the world’s ocean — Arctic, Southern, Pacific, Atlantic and Indian — anchored by 20-plus National Geographic Explorers, leverages several science disciplines, local ecological knowledge and world-class storytelling to reveal the diversity and connectivity of unique and vulnerable marine ecosystems while scaling solutions to help protect, restore and rebalance our planet’s largest biome.
Photograph by Giacomo d'Orlando, National Geographic
From left to right, Te Pori Rongo, Blake Elisa, Teina Rongo and Tamaika Tanielu collect data on taramea (crown-of-thorns starfish) collected from Rarotonga's reef.
From left to right, Te Pori Rongo, Blake Elisa, Teina Rongo and Tamaika Tanielu collect data on taramea (crown-of-thorns starfish) collected from Rarotonga's reef.
Photograph by Giacomo d'Orlando, National Geographic
Samples of Acropora hyacinthus from the coral nursery at Titikaveka Beach being examined by National Geographic Explorer Anya Brown’s team.
Samples of Acropora hyacinthus from the coral nursery at Titikaveka Beach being examined by National Geographic Explorer Anya Brown’s team.
Photograph by Konini Rongo, National Geographic

Southern Ocean, Antarctica

National Geographic Explorer Jane Younger and her team en route to assess the health status of birds and mammals in Antarctica.
National Geographic Explorer Jane Younger and her team en route to assess the health status of birds and mammals in Antarctica.

From seashore to seafloor and from pole to pole, National Geographic and Rolex Perpetual Planet Ocean Expeditions examine the causes and impacts of marine systems change throughout the largest and most vital ecosystem on Earth — the Ocean — to generate bold and innovative solutions in partnership with the coastal communities whose lives and livelihoods depend on it. The multi-year exploration of all five basins of the world’s ocean — Arctic, Southern, Pacific, Atlantic and Indian — anchored by 20-plus National Geographic Explorers, leverages several science disciplines, local ecological knowledge and world-class storytelling to reveal the diversity and connectivity of unique and vulnerable marine ecosystems while scaling solutions to help protect, restore and rebalance our planet’s largest biome.

National Geographic Explorers, storytellers and educators conducted a comprehensive scientific examination in the Southern Ocean’s Weddell Sea via a groundbreaking sea ice to seafloor transect over a 21-day field research expedition in December 2024. The multidisciplinary team of 18 scientists, with expertise in oceanography, marine ecology, climate science, geology, wildlife health and migration, and community-based conservation, documented vital marine processes in this critical yet understudied region. The scientist teams collected 750 samples of sediment cores, ice cores, algae, krill, sea floor organisms (e.g., tubeworms, sponges, etc.), wildlife swabs, and blood and tissue samples. Their observations will deepen our understanding of this ecosystem while informing conservation efforts essential to maintaining planetary health and ensuring a planet in balance.

The Southern Ocean Expedition was conducted in collaboration with the Schmidt Ocean Institute which provided National Geographic Explorers the opportunity to leverage the state-of-the art tools and capabilities of its 110m global ocean-class R/V Falkor (too) during its maiden voyage to the Southern Ocean.
Photograph by Luján Agusti, National Geographic
National Geographic Explorer and oceanographer, Allison Fong, in the Cold Lab (a laboratory adapted to low temperatures and low light for specific studies) aboard the R/V Falkor (too) where she works with samples extracted from Antarctic sea ice.
National Geographic Explorer and oceanographer, Allison Fong, in the Cold Lab (a laboratory adapted to low temperatures and low light for specific studies) aboard the R/V Falkor (too) where she works with samples extracted from Antarctic sea ice.
Photograph by Luján Agusti, National Geographic
National Geographic Explorer and oceanographer Allison Fong (left), along with marine biologist Joao Bosco Gusmao (middle), and the Educator and Grosvenor Teaching Fellow, Lyanne Abreu (right), extract an ice core on an Antarctic ice floe.
National Geographic Explorer and oceanographer Allison Fong (left), along with marine biologist Joao Bosco Gusmao (middle), and the Educator and Grosvenor Teaching Fellow, Lyanne Abreu (right), extract an ice core on an Antarctic ice floe.
Photograph by Luján Agusti, National Geographic
View of the Antarctic landscape and fauna, including a waddle of penguins.
View of the Antarctic landscape and fauna, including a waddle of penguins.
Photograph by Simon Ager, National Geographic

Channel Islands, California

Attendees of the Perpetual Planet Ocean Expeditions Convening hiking through Santa Rosa Island. The National Geographic Society convened National Geographic Explorers selected for the Perpetual Planet Ocean Expeditions, together with the Society and Disney staff in the Channel Islands National Park over five days aboard the Lindblad Expeditions vessel, National Geographic Sea Lion.
Attendees of the Perpetual Planet Ocean Expeditions Convening hiking through Santa Rosa Island.
The National Geographic Society convened National Geographic Explorers selected for the Perpetual Planet Ocean Expeditions, together with the Society and Disney staff in the Channel Islands National Park over five days aboard the Lindblad Expeditions vessel, National Geographic Sea Lion.

From seashore to seafloor and from pole to pole, National Geographic and Rolex Perpetual Planet Ocean Expeditions examine the causes and impacts of marine systems change throughout the largest and most vital ecosystem on Earth — the Ocean — to generate bold and innovative solutions in partnership with the coastal communities whose lives and livelihoods depend on it. The multi-year exploration of all five basins of the world’s ocean — Arctic, Southern, Pacific, Atlantic and Indian — anchored by 20-plus National Geographic Explorers, leverages several science disciplines, local ecological knowledge and world-class storytelling to reveal the diversity and connectivity of unique and vulnerable marine ecosystems while scaling solutions to help protect, restore and rebalance our planet’s largest biome.
Photograph by Rachael Abrams-Chener, National Geographic
Attendees of the Perpetual Planet Ocean Expeditions Convening snorkel through the waters of Catalina Island.
Attendees of the Perpetual Planet Ocean Expeditions Convening snorkel through the waters of Catalina Island.
Photograph by Manuel Novillo, National Geographic
Close-up of a maka niu, or “coconut eye”, a low-cost deep-sea imaging and sensing system invented by National Geographic Explorer Katy Croff Bell.
Close-up of a maka niu, or “coconut eye”, a low-cost deep-sea imaging and sensing system invented by National Geographic Explorer Katy Croff Bell.
Photograph by Luján Agusti, National Geographic

Sherman Basin, Nunavut, Canada

An aerial view of Gjoa Haven, an Inuit hamlet in Nunavut.
An aerial view of Gjoa Haven, an Inuit hamlet in Nunavut.

From seashore to seafloor and from pole to pole, National Geographic and Rolex Perpetual Planet Ocean Expeditions examine the causes and impacts of marine systems change throughout the largest and most vital ecosystem on Earth — the Ocean — to generate bold and innovative solutions in partnership with the coastal communities whose lives and livelihoods depend on it. The multi-year exploration of all five basins of the world’s ocean — Arctic, Southern, Pacific, Atlantic and Indian — anchored by 20-plus National Geographic Explorers, leverages several science disciplines, local ecological knowledge and world-class storytelling to reveal the diversity and connectivity of unique and vulnerable marine ecosystems while scaling solutions to help protect, restore and rebalance our planet’s largest biome.

As part of the Perpetual Planet Ocean Expeditions, National Geographic Explorer Kristina Brown is leading the National Geographic and Rolex Perpetual Planet Arctic Ocean Expedition to investigate the scientific underpinnings of Sherman Basin’s productivity and climate resilience using oceanography. Her study, co-generated with the Inuit community of Gjoa Haven that has lived in the region for generations, draws on their vast ecological knowledge. Together, they are seeking solutions to inform best practices for sustaining local food security in the face of a rapidly changing Arctic landscape.
Photograph by Kaitlyn Van De Woestyne, National Geographic
National Geographic Explorer and marine biogeochemist Kristina Brown recording measurements of the kelp samples.
National Geographic Explorer and marine biogeochemist Kristina Brown recording measurements of the kelp samples.
Photograph by Kaitlyn Van De Woestyne, National Geographic
National Geographic Explorer and marine biogeochemist Kristina Brown (right) works with Director of Programs of Science & Innovation, Elizabeth Hogan (left), and Inuit youth member, Barbara Porter, to inspect a sediment-grab, while aboard the r/v Martin Bergmann.
National Geographic Explorer and marine biogeochemist Kristina Brown (right) works with Director of Programs of Science & Innovation, Elizabeth Hogan (left), and Inuit youth member, Barbara Porter, to inspect a sediment-grab, while aboard the r/v Martin Bergmann.
Photograph by Devin Swanson, National Geographic
Arctic char, caught by Inuit community members, left out to dry to then be eaten.
Arctic char, caught by Inuit community members, left out to dry to then be eaten.
Photograph by Rick Smith, National Geographic
This work is funded by the National Geographic Society.