Pristine Seas lands in Samoa for MPA network survey

Samoa's Marine Spatial Plan, signed into effect in April 2026, expanded ocean protections to 30% of the nation's waters—approximately 36,000 square kilometres—through nine new offshore Marine Protected Areas and formalized coastal community MPAs covering habitat for nearly 1,000 fish species, 200 coral species, and endangered humpback whales and hawksbill sea turtles. A National Geographic Pristine Seas expedition has arrived to survey the newly protected areas.

The survey is underway to establish baselines for monitoring; long-term enforcement and management effectiveness will require sustained commitment and resources.