"This voyage will make a substantial contribution to furthering understanding that will help to preserve these ecosystems."
Scientists at NIWA and the Marine Conservation Institute in the US have developed "habitat suitability models" to predict the whereabouts of various sea animals that indicate the presence of a vulnerable marine ecosystem.
But while the models were useful for designing effective fishing management plans, it was important they were checked and verified to ensure their effectiveness, he said.
"The fishing industry needs to know these models are accurate and this survey represents one of the first examples of validating habitat suitability models that are to be used for fisheries management."
Tangaroa will survey three areas along the chain, with an underwater camera to be towed behind the ship to provide evidence of vulnerable species.
The camera system, known as DTIS or Deep Towed Imaging System was designed and built by NIWA staff and is attached to the Tangaroa by a conducting wire that enables researchers to see a live video feed, control the camera and lights and see information on depth and distance from the seabed.
"We are using the camera because we want to be as non-destructive as possible but the specimens we do collect will help improve our understanding of the evolution of marine species in the Pacific, as well as the genetic connections between populations."