On Lotuma Island in Fiji, Christmas unfolds in a delightful mix of singing, dancing, and laughter. Charlene Elasito vividly recalls the excitement of a festival from her childhood, where the villagers celebrated “Farah,” a local Christmas tradition.
Decades later, she finds herself back, but this time not as a participant; instead, she’s part of a scientific mission exploring the marine ecosystems of Fijian waters. At 30, Elasito stands out as the sole female Pacific Islander in what’s an expansive expedition aimed at uncovering previously uncharted underwater life.
This multi-month project, kickstarted by National Geographic’s pristine ocean initiative, began in April, bringing together both local and international experts. The expedition will dive into the depths before moving to shallower waters, starting its journey in Fiji and continuing to Tubal and Tonga.
When she boarded the research vessel last month, her crew fondly dubbed her “Moana.” She chuckled at the nickname, recalling, “As a kid, I had pet pigs and chickens, which I naively called ‘Pork’ and ‘Chicken’. Not my most creative moment!”
Elasito holds a doctorate from the French National Institute of Marine Science and Technology. Her journey into this newfound role began with her research on underwater mountains in New Caledonia, where she delved into the secrets of deep-sea ecosystems using advanced technology like remotely operated vehicles and acoustic imaging.
With family ties to Lotuma, she felt “lost for words” when invited to participate in this project. “It took me a while to digest the invitation,” she admitted, reflective. “It was surreal.” She expressed excitement about returning to the ocean, especially since this expedition focuses on the deep ecosystems surrounding her homeland.
For Elasito, returning to Rotuma feels like a duty. Memories flood back of traveling there as a child with her late father. She fondly remembers swimming, fishing, and enjoying the beach.
“My dad used to talk about night fishing in Lotuma, sharing stories that are vital to its people,” she noted. “Everyone on the island felt like family. It’s all about that sense of home.”
This expedition has also allowed her to engage with cutting-edge technology, especially underwater cameras and video equipment. “Seeing deep-sea footage—fish, corals, and hidden life—was incredible. It felt important to explore these vulnerable habitats with care,” she said.
As the deep-sea segment of the Lotuma Exploration progresses, scientists are documenting healthy ecosystems and beginning to share their findings with the local village chief. Eventually, they will present their full results to the government and other stakeholders.
Dr. Kieron Fraser, who leads the Untouched Sea Expedition, described Fiji and Rotuma as homes to “incredible marine life.” He emphasized that with the guidance of local partners, the team aims to unlock secrets of the ocean and learn how to protect it better.
Despite the vastness of the Pacific Ocean, many areas remain unexplored. “For our islands, the ocean isn’t just our backyard; it’s our lifeline. Protecting it starts with awareness, and expeditions like this are vital,” Elasito stated.
Fraser highlighted Elasito’s role as an inspiration for the youth of Rotuma, saying, “We were incredibly fortunate to have Charlene with us. The kids looked up to her as a real example of what’s possible.”
Elasito hopes to pave the way for other young women from the Pacific. “The sea is part of our identity, our narratives, and our responsibility. You can be in the rooms where science, ships, and ocean decisions are made—just follow your heart.”
