The scientific research, led by Explorer Jess Cramp and her Cook Islands-based research team at Sharks Pacific, focused on answering questions about human-wildlife coexistence in Tongareva. Specifically, how can the atoll, which is inhabited, harbor an apparently healthy marine ecosystem? What are the reasons Tongareva Atoll has such a high density of sharks? Sharks Pacific is a not-for-profit whose mission is to understand the importance of sharks in Pacific communities, and to advocate for the conservation and responsible management of sharks and the related marine environment through research, outreach, and advocacy.

Across the 15 working days around Tongareva, the collaborative team conducted a series of surveys including the satellite tagging of 9 sharks (Silky and Oceanic Whitetip Sharks); diving and reef walking at 22 benthic survey sites; the deployment of 150 Baited Remote Underwater Video Systems (BRUVS) at 5-80 meters depth; eDNA, vertical transects, and three community presentations. The team also deployed the DeepSee submersible down to 400 meters depth, visiting the little-explored seamounts surrounding the island and an under-researched 90-meter-deep lagoon.