Mission Blue Annual Report 2025: Hope Spot Growth, Ocean Conservation Impact, and Progress Toward 30×30
A wave begins with a single movement, but it gathers strength from everything it touches. Over the...
Published Jun 2026
Under the leadership of renowned oceanographer Dr. Sylvia Earle, Mission Blue® is building a global network of Hope Spots® to protect the ocean—Earth’s life support system.
Mission Blue was founded by Dr. Sylvia Earle following her 2009 TED Prize-winning talk, where she called for a global network of protected places in the ocean—Hope Spots. Today, Mission Blue supports the world’s largest community-led marine conservation network, connecting local ocean champions with global decision-makers to protect and restore the ocean through science, advocacy, and action.
Dr. Sylvia Earle
CEO & Founder, Mission Blue
Mission Blue Hope Spots are critical places in the ocean—vital to biodiversity, resilience, and life on Earth—championed by local leaders and grounded in science. Through our global network of 18 regions, aligned with IUCN’s World Commission on Protected Areas, we bring together Champions, partners, scientists, and communities in a place-based approach that strengthens collaboration, identifies shared priorities, and advances conservation action across connected ecosystems.
Explore our Hope Spots by region and follow the progress of protection around the world.
These are the people driving change for the places they love. Explore their stories to learn what Mission Blue means to them and see what hope in action looks like.
“Supporting Mission Blue means supporting the spaces where science, ethics, and hope intersect.”
“Being a Hope Spot Champion empowers me and encourages my belief that everyone can make a difference in creating a better world.”
“The efficiency of the Mission Blue program helps areas around the globe. It’s a one-of-a-kind program that we should continue to support.”
“As a Hope Spot Champion, we are filled with purpose and passion. Being part of this movement to protect and restore our resilient marine ecosystems in an honor.”
“It has been a great honor to be part of the Hope Spot Champion community. This recognition has brought international attention, enhanced our credibility, and strengthened our motivation.”
“The local community is increasingly recognizing Golfo Dulce’s global importance and the impact of their actions, fostering a strong sense of pride.”
From scientific experts to strategic leaders and on-the-ground teams, Mission Blue brings together a diverse community that provides the knowledge, guidance, and action needed to turn ambition into lasting protection for the ocean.
Driven by hope, guided by science, and grounded in action, the Mission Blue team is committed to safeguarding the blue heart of the planet—for this generation and those to come.
The Mission Blue Board provides strategic leadership and governance, guiding our vision, strengthening organisational impact, and ensuring the long-term advancement of effective ocean conservation.
The Hope Spot Council convenes global marine experts to assess nominations and designate new Hope Spots, ensuring each site has the leadership and commitment to advance lasting protection.
The College of Experts offers informal scientific guidance and peer input, strengthening programme design and ensuring Mission Blue’s science remains rigorous, relevant, and focused on real-world protection outcomes.
Explore stories about the people, science, and solutions driving real progress to protect and restore the ocean.
A wave begins with a single movement, but it gathers strength from everything it touches. Over the...
Published Jun 2026
Our vision is to make ocean protection the global default through science-driven, people-powered action that secures a sustainable future for life on Earth.
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