The Oceanic Society Expeditions program was formally established in 1972 to support the organization's efforts to ″create a more oceanic society.″ The Expeditions program allowed Oceanic Society's members to participate in ship-based expeditions around the world, sometimes accomplishing specific research objectives. Early Expeditions included New Zealand, Australia, Europe, the Caribbean, South and Central America, and the California coast.[10] As Oceanic Society's membership grew, so did the demand for Expeditions, and the program was expanded to include many more destinations and departures.