“At 600 meters below the surface, sunlight is gone, replaced by the cold, dark world of the deep sea,” she said.

“Yet, even there, life stirs. Tiny Bobtail squids drift silently past the viewing dome, small deep-sea fish dart along the sand, and basalt stone walls reveal the occasional flicker of movement from scorpion fish or squat lobsters navigating the abyss.

“For me, a local scientist and one of the few Ni-Vanuatu to join a deep-sea survey, the experience was both humbling and electrifying. This dive was my first aboard the Argonauta, a submersible capable of surveying depths up to 1,300 meters, though currently rated to 700 meters. Its clear spherical hull offers a panoramic view of a realm rarely seen by human eyes, a world that remains one of Earth’s final frontiers.”

During a recent presentation at Jill’s Café, Sokach shared that the expedition aimed to explore and document Vanuatu’s deep ocean life, filling crucial gaps in marine knowledge.

She described discovering a range of species, from the elegant spiral shells of nautiluses to the red shimmer of sottel poulet, schooling kusaka breams, and delicate soft coral.

“My most surprising observation was at about 600 meters: patches of algae being grazed by deep-sea urchins,” Sokach said.

“It was a surreal moment because just the day before, I had seen those same algae floating on the surface, drifting from the Reef Island lagoon. To see them so far below was a reminder of how intricately connected every part of our ocean is, from shallows to depths.”

As the Argonauta ascended and sunlight returned, Sokach said she felt awe and responsibility.

“The deep sea is not just a frontier for discovery; it is part of Vanuatu’s story and future. It needs protection just as much as our coastal forests and reefs,” she said.

Sokach also assisted the team with deploying Baited Remote Underwater Video systems (BRUVs), specialised cameras that record marine life activity beyond the depths surveyed by the dive team.

“These videos help scientists identify species, estimate abundance, and understand how marine ecosystems function at different levels of the ocean,” she explained.

Her primary role, however, was on the Science Dive Team, conducting SCUBA surveys from shallow reefs at 5 meters down to deeper slopes around 20 meters. “Working alongside international scientists, we examined benthic communities of coral, algae, and invertebrates that form the foundation of reef ecosystems. We identified species, collected coral recruitment data, sampled environmental DNA (eDNA), and recorded fish populations to assess reef diversity and health,” she said.

Each dive revealed new wonders but also areas of concern. Every observation adds to a growing body of data that will guide future conservation and management of Vanuatu’s marine environment and fisheries.

“For me, this was more than fieldwork; it was an opportunity to contribute to understanding our marine heritage, a living world that has sustained our islands and people for generations,” Sokach said.

She offered encouragement to young Ni-Vanuatu aspiring to explore and protect the natural world: “Study hard, stay curious, and believe you can reach these depths too. The ocean is part of who we are; it feeds us, protects us, and carries our stories. The next generation of scientists, divers, and champions must continue this legacy.”