Scientific research in Tonga’s waters has taken a major leap forward with new findings from Inkfish Expeditions, a deep-sea exploration group.
Inkfish presented its latest discoveries to Tonga’s Legislative Assembly last week, including Speaker Lord Fakafanua and several MPs. The briefing covered two major 2024 expeditions that explored the Tonga Trench and the mesophotic reef ecosystem.
The first expedition mapped the extreme depths of the Tonga Trench, which reaches 3,800 meters. The second, a 95-day exploration, examined deep reefs, fish diversity around Kao Volcano, and tsunami storm rubble.
Expedition leader Dr. Joe O’Gallaghan explained that high-tech mapping tools played a key role. “This mapping effort is the first step in a three-phase survey aimed at determining the depth and steepness of the sea floor,” he said.
Inkfish’s research is shedding light on Tonga’s unique marine biodiversity, geological activity, and oceanographic systems. The findings could help inform conservation strategies and disaster preparedness efforts.
