National Geographic exhibition opens at the National Aquarium!

National Geographic Pristine Seas Exhibition to Open at National Aquarium of New Zealand in Napier, Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand

New exhibition is a culmination of over 44 expeditions to raise awareness of important ocean issues

NAPIER (06/09/2024)— Pristine Seas: Bringing the Ocean Back, a photo exhibition curated by the National Geographic Society, will open at National Aquarium of New Zealand on Saturday, 14 September. The exhibition draws upon over a decade worth of global expeditions conducted by the National Geographic Pristine Seas project to document and protect the ocean so it can heal, rebound, and regenerate.

The exhibition highlights the importance of marine protected areas (MPAs) as a mechanism for protecting and restoring the world’s ocean. Through the exhibition’s narrative, photography, and film, visitors will learn how the Pristine Seas team supports Indigenous Peoples, local communities and governments in the creation of MPAs.

Visitors will explore the team’s expeditions ranging from the tropical coral reefs of the Southern Line Islands to the icebergs of the Antarctic Peninsula. Through stunning imagery and stories that highlight the scientific methods used on these expeditions, the exhibition will showcase Pristine Seas’ continued commitment to protecting ocean life.

Since 2008, the National Geographic Pristine Seas project has carried out 44 expeditions and helped establish 27 marine protected areas covering over 6.5 million square kilometers of ocean—an area more than twice the size of India.

“This exhibition exemplifies the Pristine Seas team’s dedication to educating audiences about  the importance of Marine Protected Areas and their contribution to a healthy ocean which provides everything from oxygen, livelihoods and food for local communities and incredible beauty,” said Emily Dunham, chief campus and experiences officer at the National Geographic Society. “With the team’s combined experience in exploration, scientific research and powerful storytelling, visitors will dive deep into strikingly beautiful stories and images from the wildest places in the ocean while learning how we must preserve it.”

The Pristine Seas team combines exploration and rigorous research with powerful storytelling. The goal of this exhibition is to immerse visitors in the beauty of the sea while reiterating why we must preserve it.”

Pristine Seas actively supports the global goal of protecting 30% of the ocean by 2030. Not only will this be beneficial for marine life, but also for communities through fisheries benefits, increased food security, and mitigation of climate change.

“To protect vital ocean places we need to combine research with compelling visuals, to inspire people through both minds and hearts. I am thrilled to bring over a decade of filming and science into the first National Geographic Pristine Seas exhibition,” said Enric Sala, National Geographic Explorer in Residence and Pristine Seas Executive Director.

Pristine Seas: Bringing Our Oceans Back will be on display at the David Brower Center until March 4, 2023. Follow Enric Sala on Instagram and Twitter, and Pristine Seas on Instagram and Twitter to stay up-to-date on their efforts across the globe.

Rachel Haydon, General Manager of the National Aquarium of New Zealand, says it is an honour and a privilege to be able to bring this incredible exhibition to visitors. 

“The exquisite images portray a narrative of action, hope, connection – everything our ocean needs from us right now.” Rachel says, “It is so easy to get overwhelmed with the sheer weight of what we need to do to help nature repair, but we must remember there already are so many people committed to this cause.  Come and be inspired by the passion and commitment of the communities, scientists and conservationists who are bringing the ocean back!”

About the National Geographic Society

The National Geographic Society is a global nonprofit organization that uses the power of science, exploration, education and storytelling to illuminate and protect the wonder of our world. Since 1888, National Geographic has pushed the boundaries of exploration, investing in bold people and transformative ideas, providing more than 15,000 grants for work across all seven continents, reaching 3 million students each year through education offerings, and engaging audiences around the globe through signature experiences, stories and content. To learn more, visit www.nationalgeographic.org or follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

Media inquiries should be submitted to:

Jenelle Eli (jeli@ngs.org)

Emily Kelly (ekelly@ngs.org)

10 September 2024

Back to News