Wetpixel moderator Luiz Rocha is currently participating in a research expedition to the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands on the NOAA Ship Hi’ialakai. Over the past few days, he has been updating a travel journal discussion in the forums along each stop in the route, now including pictures of thousand-foot high island cliffs and groups of Galapagos sharks.

Luiz provides a unique look at an otherwise undisturbed ecosystem - the area is closed to the public and researchers are only granted access with specific permits. Follow his progress in the forum discussion or find the vessel’s location with the NOAA Ship Tracker.