Deadline for applications is the 28th February 2025. 

In September 2025, the MV Silver Supporter will be travelling from Pitcairn Island to the outer island(s), Henderson Island (first priority) and Oeno Island (second priority). The Blue Belt Programme will be looking to undertake a range of scientific research projects in these remote and untouched waters. The location will be dependent on sea and weather conditions at the time of the expedition and applications should be flexible to accommodate either or both destination(s), where feasible.

Opportunity

We currently have three berths available on the vessel which we would like to offer out to universities both in the UK and New Zealand. The Government of the Pitcairn Islands also have three research grants of £10,000 each to support travel costs and the analysis of the data collected during the expedition.

The Pitcairn Island MPA

The Pitcairn Islands Marine Protected Area (MPA) is one of the largest and continuous no-take MPAs in the world. The four islands within the group are some of the best examples of untouched subtropical coral atolls with healthy and diverse coral reefs within the shallows. The exceptional water clarity around the islands also means that these corals grow to depths unseen throughout much of the world (over 100 m deep). The waters are home to numerous species of sharks, turtles, corals, and reef fish. 

The Silver Supporter

The MV Silver Supporter is the primary supply vessel to the Pitcairn Islands transporting people and goods between French Polynesia, New Zealand and the Pitcairn Islands. During September 2025 the Government of the Pitcairn Islands has set aside time for the vessel to assist in the scientific investigations of its waters. Although not a dedicated research vessel, the Silver Supporter acts as a great platform for undertaking research around the islands. Previous expeditions have made use of the Silver Supporter as a mother ship and undertaken investigations from a number of smaller vessels (5-7 m boats) to undertake sampling and to collect data. Using containers, basic lab space can be provided for post sampling analysis and sample treatment. During the expeditions we work closely with Pitcairn Islanders who provide expertise on navigation, as well as supporting operations through the deployment of equipment and sampling.

Onboard the research vessel you will have access to a small remotely operated vehicle (ROV) (depth limit 100m), baited remote underwater video systems (BRUVS), Niskin bottles, CTD, some basic lab space (containerised) and fridge/freezers. We are exploring the possibility to install a powered umbilical reel on the Silver Supporter for the deployment and recovery of survey equipment (max 150kg), however, this is not yet confirmed.

Application

To apply for a space on the Silver Supporter and the research grant please put together a 1 to 2 page proposal on what you would study and how the results would benefit the Pitcairn Island Government in their understanding and management of the MPA. Applications can be individual projects or form part of a larger regional scale ongoing project. Please send to Joanna Bluemel, UK Overseas Territory lead for Pitcairn Islands Blue Belt Programme (The Blue Belt Programme – GOV.UK) on Joanna.bluemel@cefas.gov.uk