On 18 July 2026, WA Museum Boola Bardip connected live with WA Museum and OceanX scientists taking part in the OceanX-led High Seas: Roo Rise 2026 expedition in the eastern Indian Ocean.
Hosted by Ben O’Shea, the broadcast offered a look inside the research vessel and its laboratories while the team discussed what it’s like to live and work at sea, what technology they are using to study the ocean and their observations from the expedition, before answering questions from visitors.
If you missed the Live Cross, you haven’t missed the boat. The full recording is now available for everyone to watch on YouTube.
Watch the full OceanXplorer Live Cross on YouTube
Exploring Roo Rise
From 4 to 27 July 2026, the expedition investigated Roo Rise, a remote system of underwater mountains south of Java and near Christmas Island.
Using advanced seafloor mapping, remotely operated vehicle dives, genomics and ocean science, the team explored the geology, biodiversity and ecological connections of this little-understood region.
Seamounts such as Roo Rise can act as biodiversity hotspots, influencing ocean productivity and providing habitat for a wide range of marine life. The expedition aimed to establish important biodiversity baselines and build knowledge that can contribute to future high seas conservation discussions.
The research also has particular significance for the endangered Southern Bluefin Tuna, which has only one identified spawning ground in the north-eastern Indian Ocean, south of Java. Investigating the region’s ocean conditions, food webs and biodiversity can improve understanding of the ecosystem connected to this valuable migratory species.
Representing the WA Museum aboard R/V OceanXplorer were Dr Jennifer McIlwain, Ana Hara, Dr Jenelle Ritchie and Dr Narissa Bax.
High Seas: Roo Rise 2026 brought together OceanX, Minderoo Foundation, Minderoo OceanOmics Centre at UWA, the University of Western Australia, the Western Australian Museum, the National University of Singapore, Nanyang Technological University Singapore, Aotearoa Science Agency, the Living High Seas Initiative, the Foundation for the WA Museum and regional partners.
Continue exploring
The live cross formed part of OceanXperience at WA Museum Boola Bardip. Through interactive technology and scientific exploration, the exhibition introduces visitors to life and research aboard R/V OceanXplorer. If the Live Cross has you wanting to check it out yourself, explore OceanXperience and book tickets here.
