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Mission Blue is Going to Palau!


We're headed to Palau to assess successes and challenges...

In This Issue...

  • The Expedition Team Embarks for Palau!
  • Introducing The Whale and Dolphin Sanctuary of Uruguay Hope Spot
  • Dr. Sylvia Earle wins one of Spain's highest awards
  • The Arctic's High Seas are officially protected from commercial fishing...

Mission Blue is Going to Palau!

The Mission Blue Expedition Team is headed to what National Geographic calls one of the "Last Great Places on Earth" – The Republic of Palau. The team will conduct dives in several of Palau’s waters to observe and document the local marine life and the continued threats posed by human-generated stressors such as illegal fishing and plastic pollution. Follow along on Mission Blue’s online channels to see underwater photography and video content of Palau’s beautiful ecosystems. We may even have some live broadcasts coming your way!

We would like to extend a very special thanks to ACTAI Global FoundationGlenn BucksbaumOceanic Society and Scubapro – this expedition wouldn’t be possible without their support!

About the Expedition

Introducing the Whale and Dolphin Sanctuary of Uruguay Hope Spot!

The Whale and Dolphin Sanctuary of Uruguay is home to more than 30 species of whales, dolphins, porpoises – a stunning, one-of-a-kind ecosystem! The sanctuary has been declared a Hope Spot in recognition of its value as a safe haven for thousands of species, to establish an official, enforceable policy to thoroughly manage and protect the area and to educate the public about the negative effects of “ocean noise” on marine life created by oil drilling, shipping and seismic testing.

Start Dive In!

Dr. Sylvia Earle Won the Princess of Asturias Award for Concord 2018!

"I am honored to receive the 2018 Princess of Asturias Award for Concord. My deepest thanks to Fundación Princesa de Asturias! @fpa #PremiosPrincesadeAsturias pic.twitter.com/nh8Qlzy0aJ"

— Sylvia A. Earle (@SylviaEarle) October 19, 2018

Dr. Earle has won the illustrious Princess of Asturias Award given by the Princess of Asturias Foundation, a non-profit private institution dedicated to contributing to and promoting scientific, cultural and humanistic values. The evening was beautiful and Dr. Earle's speech was very well received with a standing ovation. It appears ocean conservation is building great momentum in Spain! Flippers crossed for more marine protection coming online in this part of the world.

Spread the Word!

Bold Commitment to No Commercial Fishing in the Arctic High Seas!

The Arctic's rapidly melting ice caps have made the pristine marine ecosystem at the roof of the world more accessible and more vulnerable to human impacts. Luckily, delegations from nine different countries, including the United States, met in Greenland earlier this month to sign an agreement to ban commercial fishing in these waters for 16 years (or more, if parties agree). Throughout this ban, participating nations have agreed to launch a Joint Program of Scientific Research and Monitoring to learn more about the Arctic's changing marine ecosystem and to determine if sustainable fishing would be possible in this sensitive area of the planet.

Photo: Kip Evans, Mission Blue. 

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Mission Blue inspires action to explore and protect the ocean. Will you join us?

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