Posts by Marine Conservation Institute
Marine Protection Atlas Supports Data-Driven Conservation Planning Through Integration into the Global Fishing Watch Marine Manager
Last week, ocean advocates from around the globe came together at the third UN Ocean Conference (UNOC3) in Nice, France, to accelerate action towards UN Sustainable Development Goal 14 and mobilize all actors to conserve and sustainably use the ocean. So, what was accomplished for ocean conservation? Here’s our recap of some of the major announcements and commitments from the week and their significance for the ocean conservation movement.
Read MoreEnduring refuges for ocean wildlife: Blue Parks’ Five-Year Review
Article Enduring refuges for ocean wildlife: Blue Parks’ Five-Year Review Photo Credit: Parque Nacional Natural Gorgona By Marine Conservation Institute | September 25, 2025 Imagine an effective marine protected area (MPA): an ocean sanctuary alive with biodiversity, supporting thriving ecosystems, and recognized with a prestigious Blue Park Award. But what happens after this milestone of conservation…
Read MoreTHE HIGH SEAS TREATY IS RATIFIED! A Historic Milestone for Ocean Conservation
Article THE HIGH SEAS TREATY IS RATIFIED! A Historic Milestone for Ocean Conservation By Marine Conservation Institute | September 19, 2025 Today, the global conservation community achieved a historic win for ocean conservation. At the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York City, the final countries—including St Vincent and the Grenadines, Sierra Leone, and…
Read MorePromises or Protections? What UNOC3’s Commitments Mean for Ocean Conservation
Last week, ocean advocates from around the globe came together at the third UN Ocean Conference (UNOC3) in Nice, France, to accelerate action towards UN Sustainable Development Goal 14 and mobilize all actors to conserve and sustainably use the ocean. So, what was accomplished for ocean conservation? Here’s our recap of some of the major announcements and commitments from the week and their significance for the ocean conservation movement.
Read More2025 Blue Park Award Winners Announced at the UN Ocean Conference
Four marine protected areas (MPAs) were honored today with prestigious Blue Park Awards today at the 3rd UN Ocean Conference. The newly awarded Blue Parks are: Cahuita National Park (Costa Rica), Gorgona National Natural Park (Colombia), Kaho’olawe Island Reserve (Hawai’i, U.S.), and Shark Fin Bay MPA Network (Taytay, Philippines).
Read MoreOur National Heritage at Stake: Monuments & Sanctuaries Under Fire in 2025
Article photo: Cristina Mittermeier By Marine Conservation Institute | April 18, 2025 One of the largest strongly protected ocean reserves is the latest target of the U.S. administration. While the rest of the world rallies around protecting 30% of the ocean by 2030 to recover wildlife populations and turn the tide on decades of destructive treatment…
Read More2025 Blue Park Award Nominees
Blue Park Awards recognize outstanding marine protected areas (MPAs) that are safeguarding life in the sea. Nominees for the award go through a rigorous assessment using Blue Parks science-based criteria. They are the MPAs that are in the right places, with the right rules, and the right management to effectively protect marine wildlife. We are thrilled to announce the 2022 Blue Park Award nominees.
Read MoreBlue Parks in Action: How Small Grants Have Made a Big Impact for Marine Conservation
Marine Protected Area (MPA) managers and local stewards are on the frontlines of ocean conservation but often lack resources to meet mounting challenges. Through Blue Parks Small Grants, Marine Conservation Institute has provided crucial support to MPAs in 2023. From enhancing monitoring systems to engaging local communities, these grants have empowered on-the-ground conservation efforts, helping MPAs around the world protect marine biodiversity and sustain coastal ecosystems.
Read MoreFalling Short of Potential: Transforming Mediterranean MPAs
Article By Sabrina Croft | October 31, 2024 The Mediterranean Sea is a vast treasure trove of diverse marine species, and it has played host to much of the history and ever-changing culture of the peoples inhabiting its shores. Unfortunately, as is the case with many ocean treasures, this ecosystem is under threat. The Mediterranean is…
Read More2024 Blue Parks Small Grants Awarded to Six Marine Conservation Projects
Marine Conservation Institute is excited to announce the six recipients of the 2024 Blue Parks Small Grants, supporting projects that enhance marine protected areas (MPAs) and strengthen conservation outcomes. The grants will fund projects ranging from real-time surveillance in Ecuador’s Hermandad Marine Reserve to community-based reef restoration in Indonesia’s Misool Marine Reserve. Each initiative aims to protect critical ecosystems and promote sustainable practices, helping ensure a thriving ocean for future generations. Read more to discover the projects and the incredible efforts behind them.
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