On Rotuma Island in Fiji, Christmas is a time of joy, a holiday, a song, dance and laughter. Charlene Erasito remembers that he watched the festivities there when she was a child captured as people flaunt through the village for Farah, a local Christmas holiday.
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Erasito never imagined that decades later, she would return to the same shores, no longer as a viewer, but as a scientist. Erasito, 30 years old, is the only female Pacific Islander on board an ambitious expedition that seeks to document unexplored ocean ecosystems in Fiji waters.
The monthly project, led by National Geographic Distine Seas, began in April with a crew of local and international experts. It starts with a deep sea exploration and will later look at the spiller parts of the ocean. The expedition started in Fiji and will also travel to Tuwalu and Tonga.
Stepping on the deck of the research ship last month, Eraceto was infamously called “Moana” by her teammates, a title she takes with laughter.
“It was funny because as a kid I actually had a pets and chicken pig,” says Eracy, mentioning the popular Disney cartoon. “In addition to calling them” pigs “and” chicken “. Zero creativity there. “
Erasito studied for his doctor at the French National Institute of Science and Ocean Technology. The invitation to join the expedition came after its study of Seamounts, underwater mountains, which rise from the seabed and biodiversity in New Caledonia, impressed the team of the virgin seas. In this project, it uses remote vehicles, images and acoustic data to explore the life of the deep sea.
She has family ties with the Rotuma and was “silent” when she was asked to join the Fiji project.
“I was at work in France when the invitation came. It took me days to process and answer. It was surrealistic,” she says.
“I was excited that I was going back to the sea, but this expedition would be different. We will explore deep-sea ecosystems around my home island Rotuma-something that I never imagined I would have a chance to do,” she says.
Erasito says he “felt an obligation” to return to the rotary, where he remembers that he was traveling as a child for the work of his late father. She had kind memories of swimming, fishing and the beach.
“I listened to the night fishing stories that my father will share with different aspects of the Rotuma … but most of all, the meaning of the ocean for the Rotum and her people.”
“Everyone we met on the island felt like a family – whether we were actually connected. It’s the magic of the home.”
The expedition gave Erasito experience with new technologies, including types of underwater cameras and video tools.
“The seeing of deep-sea frames, the fish, corals and life hidden below the surface-was incredible. And to know that we are examining with minimal disturbances in these fragile habitats is important to me.”
The deep clutch of the Rotuma study was wrapped and the court was on the way to Tuwalu. So far, scientists have documented different and healthy ecosystems and have begun to share their knowledge with the village leaders. At the end of the trip, they will report the full findings of the government and other partners.
Dr. Carrr Fraser, head of the pristine seas expedition, said Fiji and Rotuma are home to “inspiring massif of marine life”
“Leaded by our local partners, this team will help unlock the mysteries of the ocean so that we can learn how to protect it best,” he said.
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The Pacific is home to many, but because of its large size, there are areas that are yet to be fully explored.
“For many of our islands, the ocean is not only our backyard.
Fraser says Erasito’s involvement is “inspiring for young people in Rotuma.”
“We were incredibly lucky to have Charlin with us. The children loved her … a real example of what was possible.”
Erasito hopes that other young Pacific women will follow her path.
“The ocean is in our blood, our stories and our responsibilities. You belong – in science, to ships, submarines and in rooms where ocean decisions are made. Follow your heart.”