Across the wide expanse of the South Pacific, marine life is rich but often poorly understood. Now, everyday sailors are stepping in, gathering environmental DNA as they journey through remote waters rarely visited by researchers.

Through these simple samples, scientists are gaining a clearer view of the species that pass through, the ecosystems that sustain them, and the pressures they face. This growing network of citizen collectors is opening new possibilities for large-scale ocean monitoring and stronger conservation.

Discover how science, communities and the open ocean can work together to protect marine life across the South Pacific in this episode of the BBC’s Living Legacy series.