Te Moananui Sanctuary’s initiatives are driven by a unified vision: to protect the Pacific Ocean and its marine life through a groundbreaking synthesis of ancient Indigenous wisdom and modern conservation science. By empowering local communities as the primary stewards of their marine territories, our projects aim to restore vital ecological balance while ensuring cultural equity. From advanced satellite tracking and trans-Pacific research voyages to grassroots biodiversity monitoring, our interconnected programs provide the actionable data and community-led enforcement necessary to establish effective, dynamic safe havens across the moana.

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WHALE ARC™

This advanced monitoring platform tracks whale movements across the Pacific using real-time satellite imagery and drone surveillance. By mapping these migratory routes, the system enables rapid responses to imminent threats like vessel strikes and fishing gear entanglements, merging modern ocean science with traditional stewardship.

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ĀVEI MOANA

Serving as the sanctuary’s active trans-Pacific research voyages, these efforts gather critical, on-the-water environmental DNA (eDNA) samples. The voyages ground-truth satellite data while fostering direct, hands-on collaboration between researchers and Pacific Island communities.

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GUARDIANS

Led by local ocean guardians (kaitiaki), this grassroots initiative maps biological carbon sinks and conducts continuous ecological audits. Prioritising community-led data collection ensures Indigenous data sovereignty and provides the precise evidence needed to enact and enforce dynamic rāhui (customary marine protections).

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PACIFIC WHALE FUND™

Acting as the financial engine for these conservation efforts, this initiative pioneers natural capital finance via the Moananui Blueprint. By mobilizing investment through blue resilience bonds and nature credits, it ensures that capital flows directly to the communities enacting Nature-based Solutions, securing long-term Indigenous equity and regenerative blue economies.