In April 2025, Earth Sciences New Zealand supported the environmental impact assessment of the area surrounding the wreck of the HMSNZ Manawanui off the southern coast of Upolu, Samoa.
The Earth Sciences NZ team coordinated with ITOPF (the international organisation responsible for advising governments in marine pollution incidents) and the Samoan Government’s Marine Pollution Advisory Committee (MPAC), led by the CEO in the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, with representation from New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF), MFAT, the Scientific Research Organisation of Samoa, and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.
With the necessary approvals secured, marine monitoring and hydrocarbon dispersal specialists organised fieldwork in collaboration with Samoan officials and samples were successfully taken and sent for analysis. This assessment will support submission of claims arising from the incident and could support an ongoing monitoring program and capacity building of local stakeholders.
The final report is still with stakeholders pending review.
