Inspiring Action to Explore and
Protect the Ocean
If we fail to take care of the ocean,
nothing else matters.
Founder and President
I had not met Addison Fischer before he approached me following the talk I gave when I received the TED Prize in February 2009 and made a wish “big enough to change the world”. The wish?
— “I wish you would use all means at your disposal — films! expeditions! the web! new submarines! — to create a campaign to ignite public support for a global network of marine protected areas, Hope Spots large enough to save and restore the blue heart of the planet.” —
That same week, Google launched on Google Earth the first version of “Google Ocean” based on newly released sea floor data from the U.S. Navy and showcasing 10 “Hope Spots” where it was possible to “dive in” and explore beneath the surface with vivid videos produced by the National Geographic Society.
Now, in 2025, more than 165 Hope Spots are in place with a growing number of regional alliances, cross-cutting interests, and enhanced collaboration among the Hope Spot champions, partner organizations and related institutions — truly a Network of Hope.
Meetings this year in two very different parts of the ocean reflect the importance of protecting places that remain mostly wild coupled with actions to restore seriously degraded areas.
First, Mission Blue was well-represented aboard an Aurora Expeditions visit to Antarctica organized in collaboration with Ocean Geographic. A select group of musicians, scientists, artists, policy experts, business leaders, philanthropists and young activists explored melting landscapes, documented wildlife and deliberated about climate problems and solutions. High priority was given to the need to scale up protection of the wilderness waters around Antarctica, the High Seas and deep sea regions, areas critical to maintaining Earth’s critical life support functions.
An example of the second priority — restoration of a degraded system — the Shinnecock Bay Hope Spot — was celebrated. Noted by UN Secretary General Giuterrez as an example of collaborative action yielding positive results, Shinnecock Bay’s champions led by Dr. Ellen Pikitch, Stony Brook University, the Explorers Club and the Shinnecock Nation, worked together to return thriving populations of hard clams, Mercenaria mercenaria, to the bay during ten years of concerted science-based actions. Filtration of the bay’s brown water by the clams has cleared the way for sunlight needed for seagrasses to recover, and in so doing is restoring an oxygen-rich habitat and shelter for numerous young fish and invertebrates.
While not pristine, the health of the bay has significantly improved with obvious benefits for people — and clams.
With barely 3 percent of the ocean highly or fully protected, the goal of securing at least 30 percent by 2030 will require doubling-down to reach the urgent protection and the existence of life as we know it.
Mission Blue is doing just that, with a message of hope — leading to action — across the planet.
We invite you to join us.
© JOEL PENNER
This is the sweet spot in time.
As never before — and maybe as never again — there is a chance to protect the natural living systems that keep us alive.
To protect the ocean
as if our lives depend on it.
Because they do!
Mission Blue motivates individuals to discover and safeguard the ocean, enhancing public consciousness and catalyzing tangible conservation achievements globally via:
Our goal is to establish protection for at least 30% of the ocean by 2030.
This includes a comprehensive network of marine protected areas and reserves that ensure the protection of wildlife, bolster climate resilience, and allow healthy biodiverse ecosystems to flourish.
In 2024, we progressed towards this goal by introducing 13 new Hope Spots, spanning critical ecosystems from the Arctic to Antarctica.
Our communication and social media strategies grew to over 1.2 million followers, fostering a culture of ocean conservation. Through scientific expeditions, we identified and assessed ecosystems and species, pinpointing new areas for protection.
Strengthening partnerships with businesses, governments, and non-profit organizations, we helped to advance policy pledges on a global scale.
To this date, Mission Blue launched 165 Hope Spots covering 58 million km2 of ocean.
Despite these efforts, only 3% of the ocean currently has significant protection, and the looming threat of rapid climate change and other human impacts jeopardizes even this small fraction.
Mission Blue is resolutely taking action to shift decline to recovery by expanding public awareness and securing increased legal protections for the ocean.
© KIP EVANS
Everyone has power.
But it doesn’t help if you don’t use it.
Hope Spots —
One Shared Mission,
Many Grassroots Champions
A Global Network of Hope Spots
In 2024, Mission Blue’s global network of Hope Spots continued to inspire and drive meaningful ocean conservation efforts around the world.
From the warm waters of the Caribbean to the icy expanse of Antarctica, our Champions worked to protect and restore vital marine ecosystems.
The designation of new Hope Spots, such as the Greater Skellig Coast in Ireland, Saba and the Saba Bank in the Caribbean, the East Antarctic, and the Pearl Islands Archipelago in Panama, served to highlight the ecological importance of these areas and galvanize support for their long-term protection.
Humboldt Archipelago
False Bay
Pangatalan Island
In 2024, 13 new Hope Spots were added, from Iceland to Antarctica. The global network now spans over 165 sites worldwide.
The Humboldt Archipelago in Chile, False Bay in South Africa, and Pangatalan Island in the Philippines are examples of recent success.
To learn more, click on the images of the three featured Hope Spots highlighted here:
Throughout the year, our Hope Spot Champions made significant strides in their conservation efforts.
In Costa Rica’s Golfo Dulce Hope Spot, Misión Tiburón worked to protect key mangrove habitats that serve as critical nursery grounds for endangered shark species.
And in Brazil’s Cagarras Islands Hope Spot, Dr. Sylvia Earle’s visit helped to inspire a new generation of ocean advocates and underscore the importance of preserving this unique marine environment.
Mission Blue also played a pivotal role in the designation and expansion of Marine Protected Areas across the globe.
From the approval of the Humboldt Archipelago Multi-Use Marine Coastal Protected Area in Chile to the expansion of MPAs in the Galápagos Islands, Colombia, Portugal, and Uruguay, our organization worked alongside partners to secure lasting protections for some of the world’s most precious marine habitats.
As we look to the future, we remain committed to our goal of safeguarding at least 30% of the ocean by 2030, and we will continue to support and empower our ever-growing network of Hope Spot Champions in their efforts to defend the blue heart of our planet.
Across all Hope Spots, our Champions make conservation victories possible through their committed local leadership.
Mission Blue provides support, led by The Hope Spot team, Dan Laffoley, Shannon Rake, and Louise Baldwin, through workshops, strategy meetings, and highlighting achievements.
I’m passionate about making good things happen on Lesvos — being a Hope Spot Champion is a collective endeavour and — it’s one of the best experiences of my life.
Eleni Atsikbasis
Hope Spot Champion
A privilege to join this recognition in celebration of our incredible marine biodioversity here in Timor-Leste as part of the Ombai-Wetar Strait.
Marine Tourism Association
Timor-Leste
We are proud to shed light on the wonderful work the Saba Conservation Foundation and others have done for over 30 years to safeguard our seas.
Emily Malsack and Lynn Costenaro
Hope Spot Champions
It feels great and also brings an amazing sense of responsibility that action is required.
Matthew Gerber
Hope Spot Champion
I feel like I am part of a team that truly cares about protecting our natural resources and having the Mission Blue name attached to it helps give us notoriety and traction to get things done.
Krista Shoe
Hope Spot Champion
It is our pride to be designated as a Hope Spot.
We will continue to demonstrate that there is hope for our oceans if we set our minds and hearts to their protection.
Angelique M. Songco
Hope Spot Champion
It feels empowering to be a leader for Hope in the future of our planet.
Carolina Gaviria
Hope Spot Champion
I am proud to be part of a family of dedicated like-minded enthusiastic ocean lovers working to conserve and protect marine biodiversity.
David Johnson
Hope Spot Champion
Not a day goes by that we can live without HOPE.
The Kep Archipelago Hopespot is a real life inspiring example which keeps us motivated to never give up on our common conservation mission !
Rachana Thap
Hope Spot Champion
As Hope Spot Champion we feel to be part of a bigger family, supporting our local mission with the common goal to preserve the Aeolian sea and its natural beauties.
Blue Marine Foundation
Sicily Environment Fund
© MEG BURKE
Far and away, the greatest threat to the ocean, and thus to ourselves, is ignorance.
But we can do something about that.
In 2024, Mission Blue continued spearheading crucial efforts to advance ocean conservation policy globally.
Our work supported the historic UN High Seas Treaty agreement opening for signatures. This hard-won multinational pact represents substantial momentum towards more extensive legal protections for marine zones beyond national jurisdiction.
Mission Blue was well represented at the United Nations Ocean Conference, advocating for ambitious science-based ocean action in the UN’s post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework.
Max Bello, Policy Director for Mission Blue, organized an expedition with partners to survey the rapidly changing Patagonian fjords, and to focus global attention on the urgent need for new protocols shielding Southern Ocean kelp forests.
He was joined by Sylvia for a meeting with Chile’s President, Gabrielle Boric making real headway concerning protections for the invaluable but threatened Humboldt Current.
While celebrating Chile’s recent marine conservation commitments, it is clear that stronger regional safeguards and policies are essential to preserve this singular stretch of pristine marine wilderness. President Boric expressed great interest in collaborating further towards this end.
Whether engaging world leaders or grassroots communities, our message is clear — we must not delay action if we hope to navigate towards thriving, vibrant, climate-resilient oceans across at least 30% of the planet by 2030.
Mission Blue celebrated many meaningful marine conservation victories:
Barrage Of Human Impacts
A relentless barrage of human impacts continue to threaten hard-won gains:
We must confront these challenges with science-supported policies that protect, rather than plunder. With care, mindfulness, and understanding, a thriving blue future remains within reach.
We must remain equally dedicated advocates for science-supported policies.
We engage in policies to protect, rather than plunder, 30% of our precarious ocean systems by 2030.
Through vision, innovation, and public pressure, we can curb the most destructive industrial excesses decimating aquatic abundance.
We are looking forward to participating in a number of exciting initiatives:
© DOUG PENN
No Water, No Life.
No Blue, No Green.
Mission Blue Expeditions
Since 2008, Mission Blue expeditions have visited Hope Spots around the world, documenting the vibrant marine environments and engaging local stakeholders to protect them.
These voyages explore our most critical ocean habitats and are designed to create awareness, foster partnerships and build broad public support for the creation of marine protected areas across the globe.
The Mission Blue expedition to Chilean Patagonia in April of 2023 aimed to spotlight and secure protections for the region’s kelp forests and coastal ecosystems.
Supported by numerous organizations and featuring a diverse team, the expedition traversed Northern Chilean Patagonia’s fjords, documenting marine biodiversity and the impacts of salmon farming.
Encounters with a range of wildlife, including Blue Whales, Chilean Dolphins, and the endangered Darwin’s Frog, underscored the area’s ecological significance.
The initiative also sought to raise awareness and influence policy, with the Chilean Minister of Environment, Maisa Rojas, expressing commitment to expanding marine protection and inviting Mission Blue to propose areas for conservation in the Chilean ecoregion.
Through the Deep Blue Patagonia campaign, Mission Blue collaborates with domestic partners to expand marine protected areas, safeguard kelp forests, and remove salmon farming from sensitive regions, marking a crucial step in establishing Hope Spots and preserving Chilean Patagonia’s invaluable marine ecosystems.
Knowledge, Connection, and Wonder
Hold the Power
to Drive Change.
Led by Dr. Sylvia Earle and Mission Blue’s chief scientist, Dr. Tessa Hempson, Mission Blue’s expedition to Mozambique’s Inhambane Seascape Hope Spot, a globally outstanding marine conservation area, highlighted the region’s ecological significance and the pressing threats it faces.
Additional highlights include joining Dr. Andrea Marshall’s team in Mozambique, using drones and acoustics to better understand threatened manta populations while assessing proposed drilling sites.
The team engaged with diverse marine life, including the last viable Dugong population among other endangered species.
Despite challenges like sand mining and lack of awareness, there’s hope in collaborative efforts among local organizations, conservation authorities, and the community to protect and restore this vital ecosystem.
The data gathered on these expeditions informs policy recommendations while revealing biodiversity treasures that inspire public engagement and urgent habitat protection.
© NUNO SÁ
Sharks are beautiful animals, and if you’re lucky enough to see lots of them, that means you’re in a healthy ocean.
You should be afraid if you are in the ocean and don’t see sharks.
Rippling Outward
Mission Blue’s communications, education, and outreach endeavors are central to fulfilling its vision of ocean conservation.
Led by Communications Director, Huntley Penniman, the team employs a multi-faceted strategy to inspire action and awareness.
Through captivating documentaries such as the Emmy award-winning Netflix film: Mission Blue, a robust social media presence, and strategic partnerships with science, media, and conservation organizations, Mission Blue amplifies the stories of Hope Spots — specific marine habitats designated as critical to the health of the ocean.
Their efforts elevate these crucial areas and the individuals working tirelessly to protect them.
Mission Blue understands that communication is the foundation for building a generation of ocean stewards.
Educating and engaging diverse communities remains essential to our mission of motivating ocean protection across cultures.
Mission Blue supports Hope Spot Champions as they engage with students and stakeholders through workshops, presentations, and immersive digital resources.
Making Waves
Across Public Channels.
Mission Blue’s outreach continues making waves across public channels.
Our social media posts, campaigns, and documentaries now reach over 1.2 million followers and ocean aficionados annually.
Together these efforts kindle awe, understanding, and commitment rippling outward through communities worldwide.
2023 featured webinars featured webinars ranging from Diving in Deep: Mining the High Seas, a panel discussion led by Dr. Earle, to Everything Sharks! — with Eastern Tropical Pacific Shark Experts, Hosted by Mission Blue and MigraMar.
Grassroots support is the driving force behind political action for a sustainable future.
As citizens, we have the power to become stewards of our environment and ensure that the 30% protection milestone and other conservation efforts are met.
The key to achieving this goal is a shared knowledge and passion passed down from generation to generation. Let’s work together to create a healthier and thriving blue planet for generations to come.
Highlights
Dr. Earle receives the Benjamin Franklin Founder Award and Lecture in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Mission Blue attends an ocean conference in Santiago, Chile at which Dr. Earle received a medal from the Senate.
United Nations High Seas — BBNJ Intergovernmental Conference.
At IMPAC5, the IUCN-led International Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) Conference, Dr. Earle gave a keynote talk and participated in several panels. The Hope Spot Team coordinated a side event, co-hosted with MigraMar.
Co-led Climate Conference Expedition to Antarctica.
Our Ocean Summit, Monaco Blue Ocean Conference.
Panama — meetings and talks.
Whale Song Event with Yo-Yo Ma and production of Deep Sea Mining film produced by Lavinia Currier and Robert Nixon, Dana Point, California.
Nature Conservancy Keynote by Dr. Earle, Connecticut.
Kennedy Center Climate/Ocean Talk, Washington.
Keynote talk at Climate and Ocean Conference in Bergen, Norway.
Speaker at the Royal Geographic Society conference, London.
Great Lakes Hope Spot launch and talks at Shedd Aquarium, Chicago.
UN Ocean Week presentation with Ray Dalio featuring deep sea mining, climate, and state of the ocean.
Explorers Club presentations with John Vermilye and Hope Spot Champions.
Citibank Climate presentation with Johan Rockstrom, and Keith Tuffley.
Public talk at Stonybrook, NY; One year anniversary celebrating the Shinnecock Bay Hope Spot.
National Geographic Annual Explorers Week in Washington, DC.
Singapore; Keynote talk and public presentation, opening of Antarctic Climate Art exhibit.
Chicago Museum of Science, SCJohnson, Conservation International Blue Paradox Exhibit.
Esri geospatial conference to discuss mapping ocean habitats.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Hope Spot celebration.
Lofoten Islands, Norway, co-led Climate expedition with Keith Tuffley and Johan Rockstrom.
Maine, National Geographic communication conference.
West Africa Marine Science Symposium, Ghana.
Launch of Planetary Guardians, UN General Assembly, NYC.
Speaker, Blue Leaders (Presidents of countries committed to 30/30).
UN Sustainable Goals Summit.
Speaker, The Ocean Race Summit, NYC.
Speaker, University of Montana and Tech Museum, Bozeman, Montana.
Nainoa Thompson and Polynesian voyagers arrived in San Francisco aboard Hokule’a for the celebration of the multiyear global voyage.
Ohana Festival, Dana Point, California.
Speaker with former Icelandic President Grimsson at the Arctic Circle Assembly.
Mozambique scoping trip for 2024 expedition.
Washington, DC, attended White House celebration of the United States return to UNESCO.
International Seakeepers Annual Award event, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.
Cayman Islands, Blue Voyages Donor Trip, meetings with government officials and community engagement events.
South Carolina Aquarium, talk and Hope Spot meeting.
Spain, Ministerial meetings.
Dr. Earle gives Keynote at COP 28, UN Climate Change Conference in Dubai, UAE.
© COURTNEY PLATT
With every drop of water you drink, every breath you take, you’re connected to the sea.
No matter where on Earth you live.
Strength in Unity
From large multinationals to barebones scientific teams, the network unites a spectrum of non-profit, for-profit and public interests under the common goal of restoring the blue heart of the planet through a global network of Hope Spots.
With over 280 partner organizations, Mission Blue is honored to form alliances spanning grassroots NGOs, governments, and corporations.
These partnerships are united by a common goal:
Preservation of Ocean Health
We are deeply grateful for the unwavering support of our distinguished partners, such as Rolex, Pew Bertarelli Ocean Legacy, and the Plum Foundation, among others, whose generosity forms the foundation of our worldwide presence and influence.
By collaborating with the IUCN, the Antarctic and Southern Ocean Coalition and other national and international organizations, we are helping to achieve crucial policy agreements for safeguarding environments globally. Our alliance with SeaLegacy leverages use of visuals to inspire enthusiasm among the public for the conservation of at-risk species, including sea turtles, whales, sharks and numerous others.
Mission Blue also deepened its partnership with the Polynesian Voyaging Society in support of the Moananuiākea Voyage, a 47-month circumnavigation of the Pacific by traditional Polynesian voyaging canoes Hōkūle‘a and Hikianalia.
Concluding in 2027, the voyage will cover 43,000 nautical miles and reach 36 countries and archipelagoes, nearly 100 indigenous communities and 345 ports.
Our collaborative efforts expand our ability to safeguard the ocean in many ways. Working as a united front, we generate a powerful surge of awareness and proactive initiatives that penetrate various spheres, from halls of government to corporate environments, and educational and scientific institutions.
Mission Blue’s critical work safeguarding ocean health relies on the generous support of donors and partners who share our passion for marine conservation.
Mission Blue’s Advancement Team, Laura Cassiani, Susan Racanelli and Deb Castellana play a vital role in securing the resources needed to fuel our mission.
These contributions manifest as Hope Spots protected, sharks tagged, reefs restored, and much more.
In 2024, Rolex’s enduring support as a core partner propelled Mission Blue’s global impact through the ‘Perpetual Planet’ initiative with powerful storytelling, and a shared commitment to ocean conservation.
With heartfelt gratitude, we thank Rolex for a decade of unparalleled support and steadfast partnership in our mission to save the ocean planet.
Rolex’s far-reaching sponsorship continues accelerating impact across our programs, from expeditions to policy events.
Rolex’s Perpetual Planet campaign conveys the beauty and fragility of special habitats like the Galápagos Islands Hope Spot or the Malpelo Island Hope Spot to engaged audiences worldwide.
Media Highlights:
2024 Rolex Grantee Hope Spot Progress:
In 2024, the Plum Foundation’s support was instrumental in advancing our efforts to protect the vibrant coastal ecosystems of Chile.
Their funding laid the groundwork for expanded protections, allowing us to consult with experts, prepare comprehensive reports, and build a strong case for conservation.
Additionally, the Plum Foundation’s investment in our Global Kelp Initiative has been crucial in our work to preserve these essential carbon-sequestering habitats.
Thanks to their support, we have been able to fund scientists working in Hope Spots to identify priority zones for safeguarding and develop strategies to protect these vital ecosystems.
The Plum Foundation’s commitment to our mission extends beyond specific projects. Their support for our organizational infrastructure and operations has been essential in amplifying the impact of our conservation efforts.
Thanks to their generosity, we have been able to strengthen our communications capacity, enabling us to reach millions of people with our message of hope and action.
Thanks to donors, partners, and the community for their support and contributions. Special thanks to our Blue Circle members for your unwavering support.
Mission Blue owes profound appreciation to the many exceptional Partners, Donors, Volunteers, and Advocates who empower our shared voyage toward restored ocean health. Financial backing translates directly into outcomes like these making a real difference for our ocean’s threatened wildlife.
Whether contributions are large or small, every donor helps construct our shared foundation supporting a healthy ocean where marine wildlife can thrive safeguarded.
With appreciation and gratitude, we send ripples of hope outwards, as each gift brings us closer to our shared goal of 30% protected ocean by 2030.
Plum Foundation
Wyss Foundation
The Hayes Foundation
Wanderlust Foundation
Turner Foundation
© JOHN WELLER
If the sea is sick, we’ll feel it.
If it dies, we die.
Our future and the state of the oceans are one.
Financial Summary
© BRYCE GROARK
Our past, our present, and whatever remains of our future absolutely depend on what we do now.
Emeritus
Jenifer Austin · Gigi Brisson · Meg Caldwell · Patty Elkus · Linda Glover · Erik Gordon · Daryl Hannah · John Hanke · Michael Holland · Ann Hurley · Sharon Kwok · Dan Laffoley · Carl Gustaf Lundin · Ann K. Luskey · Greg MacGillivray · Robert Nixon · Jim Toomey · Will Travis
© FRANCIS PEREZ
Every time I slip into the ocean, it’s like going home.
