Article
2025 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 MoreDavid Attenborough’s new film Ocean claims that less than 3% of the Ocean is protected. Here’s why.
Article photo: Ocean Film By Nikki Harasta | June 3, 2025 At the legendary age of 99, following a decades-long career as the voice for a planet now on the brink of climate collapse, David Attenborough delivers an important message to his audience in his most recent nature documentary, Ocean: “If we save the Sea, we…
Read MoreThese Eastern Tropical Pacific Hope Spots Meet the Blue Park Standard, Achieving the Highest Caliber of Marine Conservation
Article photo: David Garcia By Olivia Richter | May 6, 2025 Some of the planet’s most diverse marine life thrives within the Eastern Tropical Pacific. Recently, countries in this region have stepped up their conservation efforts, with several areas now designated as Hope Spots and awarded Blue Park status in recognition of their achievements. In these unique…
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 MoreNew MPAtlas Data! Recent Study Reveals the Quality of South Africa’s MPAs
Article photo: Cristina Mittermeier By Bea San Juan Silva | March 28, 2025 South Africa’s oceans are teeming with biodiversity, from vibrant coral reefs to rich fish populations. To protect these vital ecosystems, the country has established a network of 42 marine protected areas (MPAs) – 41 in the mainland Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and one in South…
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 MoreBottom-contact fishing persists in protected deep-sea habitats despite EU closures, new study finds
A new analysis of the world’s largest 100 marine protected areas (MPAs) published today in Conservation Letters suggests that governments are falling short on delivering the promise of effective biodiversity protection due to slow implementation of management strategies and failure to restrict the most impactful activities.
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.
Read More