The live stream will connect audiences directly with WA Museum scientists aboard R/V OceanXplorer as they explore Roo Rise, a remote seamount system in the eastern Indian Ocean near Christmas Island.
It will create a real-time connection with the vessel as part of the Museum’s OceanXperience exhibition, between the exhibition and the science that inspired it.
The exhibition introduces visitors to life on aboard the R/VOceanXplorer, placing them at the heart of a world-leading ocean expedition through interactive technology, scientific exploration and storytelling.
On 18 July, that experience becomes reality, with visitors able to meet the WA Museum scientists currently at sea, hear about the observations and research emerging from the expedition in real time and ask questions of the scientists conducting research thousands of kilometres offshore.
Among the expedition team are WA Museum scientists Dr Jennifer McIlwain, Ana Hara, Dr Jenelle Ritchie and Dr Narissa Bax, who are all working alongside international researchers as part of the OceanX-led High Seas: Roo Rise 2026 expedition.
The expedition is investigating one of the eastern Indian Ocean's least understood ecosystems. Using advanced seafloor mapping, remotely operated vehicle dives, genomics and ocean science, researchers are exploring the hidden underwater mountains of Roo Rise to uncover new insights into the geology, biodiversity and ecological connections that support life in the high seas.
Although largely unseen beneath the ocean surface, seamounts such as Roo Rise can act as biodiversity hotspots, influencing ocean productivity and providing habitat for an extraordinary range of marine life. Scientists hope the expedition will establish critical biodiversity baselines and generate new knowledge to support international efforts to better understand and protect life in the oceans.
The research also has particular significance for Southern Bluefin Tuna, an endangered species with only one identified spawning ground, in the north-eastern Indian Ocean south of Java.
By investigating the ocean conditions, food webs and biodiversity that shape this region, scientists aim to deepen understanding of an ecosystem connected to one of the ocean’s most valuable migratory species.
WA Museum CEO Alec Coles said it was a privilege to be the first Museum to host a live stream event with R/V OceanXplorer while also hosting the OceanXperience exhibition.
"Often, the scientific research the museum undertakes is not visible to the public, so it is exciting to be able to shine a light on field work in such a dynamic way and enable the visitors to ask curious questions about the work being done.”
The expedition brings together OceanX, Minderoo Foundation, the Minderoo OceanOmics Centre at UWA, the University of Western Australia, the Western Australian Museum, the National University of Singapore, Nanyang Technological University Singapore, the Living High Seas Initiative, the Foundation for the WA Museum and regional partners, demonstrating the power of international collaboration to accelerate ocean science and expand understanding of the deep sea.
Event Details
What: OceanX Live: Roo Rise
When: Saturday 18 July, 2pm–2.45pm
Where: WA Museum Boola Bardip
Included with: General Admission
