Moana Mark Impact Report 2025

Building enduring marine research and conservation in Aotearoa New Zealand

Find out how support for Moana Mark is enabling long-term marine research and strengthening marine conservation across Aotearoa and beyond.

What impact did our research have in 2025?

Thanks to our amazing supporters, Moana Mark enabled vital research across Aotearoa. This year alone, that included:

  • 56 sperm whale research days in Kaikōura

  • 61 leopard seals analysed using whole-genome science

  • 8.9 million genetic markers studied

  • A national leopard seal contaminant baseline established

  • 77 years of leopard seal ecological data consolidated

  • 595 monitoring images analysed for conservation research

A marine biologist takes photos out on the water

When we understand the ocean, we can protect it.

Long-term research helps us understand how marine ecosystems are changing and what we can do to protect them.

More than a snapshot in time, the 2025 Impact Report demonstrates how continuity, collaboration, and support are shaping the future of marine science – safeguarding critical knowledge, empowering researchers, and protecting marine ecosystems for generations to come.