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Marine Conservation Institute

@savingoceans.bsky.social
310 followers 40 following 265 posts

Saving wild ocean places for 30 years—and counting 🩵 Blue Parks 🌊 High Seas 🗺️ MPAtlas 📌 marine-conservation.org

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Marine Conservation Institute @savingoceans.bsky.social · 6h
Given the right conditions, corals can recover from coral bleaching. #BluePark Aldabra Atoll Special Reserve, widely considered one of the world's most intact marine ecosystems, is an example of this. But, we need to cut rising emissions to prevent coral bleaching in the first place.
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Marine Conservation Institute @savingoceans.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Do you have data or insights for a specific MPA or MPA network you want to share? Our new portal makes it easy. 🔎 The new MPAtlas Assessment Portal allows users to add information to existing assessments, verify information for draft assessments, or complete new MPA Guide assessments.
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Marine Conservation Institute @savingoceans.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
The BBNJ Agreement just reached 100 ratifications! We celebrate this milestone and look ahead to a strong network of protected MPAs on the high seas. Congrats to Germany, Zimbabwe, Papua New Guinea, Canada, Australia & Brunei Darussalam. Now: turn ratification into real, lasting ocean protection.
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Marine Conservation Institute @savingoceans.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
#WildlifeWednesday at Misool Marine Reserve, a 300,000 acre #BluePark in Raja Ampat, Indonesia. It’s two No-Take Zones are patrolled 24/7 by local rangers. Results: sharks up 190% since 2012, mantas doubled to 1,730. 🦈
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Marine Conservation Institute @savingoceans.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
For 30 years, we have been fighting to protect the wild ocean. This October, we are bringing together the people who believe the next 30 years matter even more.  Join us on October 15th to help us celebrate 30 years of saving wild ocean places!
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Marine Conservation Institute @savingoceans.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Happy #WorldMantaDay! During a dive at Revillagigedo National Park, a #BluePark, you might find yourself surrounded by some of the ocean’s largest manta rays. Mantas face growing threats from human activity, but together, we can help mantas thrive. 🌊 #SaveTheMantas
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Marine Conservation Institute @savingoceans.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Kahoʻolawe Island Reserve is a thriving Blue Park and sacred refuge (wahi pana). #WildlifeWednesday 🐬 Naiʻa (dolphins) 🦭 ʻĪlioholoikauaua (monk seal) 🐢 Honu (Green sea turtle) 🐠 Iʻa (reef fish) Restored through Native Hawaiian practices, it proves ocean protection works.
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Marine Conservation Institute @savingoceans.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
The future of coral reefs depends on both local protection and global emissions cuts. Effective Blue Parks build resilient reefs that can withstand marine heatwaves, but that only buys time without urgent action on emissions.
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Marine Conservation Institute @savingoceans.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
Shark Fin Bay MPA Network is a Blue Park with big news! Led by communities and the Sulubaaï Environmental Foundation: Pabellon Islands MPA is highly protected Communities carefully managing eco-friendly tourism Using infrastructure (like buoys + reef-safe moorings) to keep the area well protected.
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Marine Conservation Institute @savingoceans.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Bottom trawling isn’t just an ocean health issue, it’s a global food security issue. "The Impact of Bottom Trawling on Food Security," a 2026 report by the Transform Bottom Trawling Coalition, shows how industrial trawling undermines coastal livelihoods. It’s time to restrict destructive trawling.
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Marine Conservation Institute @savingoceans.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
The pristine marine ecosystem of Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park is home to 360 coral species, nearly 700 fish species & 181 threatened species, highlighting just how important these protected waters are for ocean biodiversity. 🪸🐟 #WildlifeWednesday
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Marine Conservation Institute @savingoceans.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
Happy National Wildlife Day! 🌊 It's imperative that we protect marine species from destructive practices. Here are some faces protected by Blue Parks: Hawaiian monk seals, turtles, spiny lobsters, & vibrant coral reefs. #BlueParks #MarineConservation
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Marine Conservation Institute @savingoceans.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
We are so excited to participate in the 8th International Marine Conservation Congress this November in Edinburgh! November 13–16, we'll present and discuss turning science into real conservation impact. More soon! #IMCC8
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Marine Conservation Institute @savingoceans.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
For #WildlifeWednesday, explore colorful marine invertebrates in Victoria, Australia 🌊 Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park is a Blue Park platinum protected area promoting high biodiversity. Check out the: batwing slug, nudibranch, whelk egg casing, & sea anemone!
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Marine Conservation Institute @savingoceans.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
This month we're joining Coral Reef Alliance for Coral Bleaching Awareness Month. Given the right conditions, and effective management, corals can recover. Stay tuned later this month for how healthy—protected—reefs look 📸 Valentina Cucchiara, CORAL #coralbleachingawareness #ForCoral
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Marine Conservation Institute @savingoceans.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
Celebrating 30 years: in 2017 we launched the Blue Park Awards, recognizing highly effective MPAs worldwide. Congrats to those first winners—Papahānaumokuākea, Tubbataha Reefs & Malpelo! From 3 parks then to 40 today. Keep up the great work!
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Marine Conservation Institute @savingoceans.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
#WildlifeWednesday 🐟 The Cape Rodney-Okakari Point Marine Reserve protects 800 meters of ocean and 1,000+ species, including snapper and camouflaged anemones. Its dense kelp forests and deep rocky reefs showcase New Zealand's unique coastal biodiversity.
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Marine Conservation Institute @savingoceans.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
We've got news: we’re teaming up with Nomad Life! Blue Parks Advocate Erin Michelson joins Dr. Sarah Hameed for a live chat on the latest in marine conservation. Tomorrow, Aug 26, 8am PST. Plus, Erin matches every Nomad Life subscription, doubling your donation to Marine Conservation Institute.
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Marine Conservation Institute @savingoceans.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
Kisite-Mpunguti MPA used a 2023 Blue Parks Small Grant to: enhance community participation in MPA management, sustainable fishing practices, and conservation awareness. They trained 40 patrol boat operators, delivered 300+ community education sessions and much more 🌊 Incredible work, KMNPA !
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Reposted by Marine Conservation Institute
High Seas Alliance @highseasalliance.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
A new platform can help understand areas beyond national jurisdiction and build strong MPA proposals. Learn more about Marine Conservation Institute's High Seas Protection Portal: www.minderoo.org/stories/high-seas-… @minderoo.bsky.social @savingoceans.bsky.social
minderoo.org
Four ways the High Seas Protection Portal is helping turn science into stronger marine protection.
Understanding the high seas is the first step toward protecting them.
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Marine Conservation Institute @savingoceans.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
Happy #WildlifeWednesday 🇵🇳 Pitcairn Islands MPA protects 850,000+ km² and 1,200+ species—from breeding humpback whales to deep-growing corals and critically endangered whitetip reef sharks. A community of <50 people has sustained this Blue Park Platinum protection for 10 years.
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Marine Conservation Institute @savingoceans.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
Long term ocean protection is powered by people, science, and systems. At Galápagos Marine Reserve, support for the Blue Parks Conservation Fund is strengthening enforcement and monitoring, 28 years running since 1998. 138,665 km² of protection home to 25 endangered species.
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Marine Conservation Institute @savingoceans.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
Nearly half of Earth's surface is high seas. This year's High Seas Treaty gave us a real path to protect them - if we have the evidence to back it up. Here's how our High Seas Protection Portal is helping turn science into stronger protection. Read the full story: www.minderoo.org/stories/hi...
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Marine Conservation Institute @savingoceans.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
A Blue Park Award isn't permanent — that's what makes it meaningful. Chumbe Island Coral Reef Sanctuary off Zanzibar has once again earned Gold Blue Park status after its five-year review. See how its reefs and rangers held strong through the pandemic 👇 marine-conservation.org/on-...
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Marine Conservation Institute @savingoceans.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
Happy #WildlifeWednesday from the Palau National Marine Sanctuary (PNMS), Palau! 🇵🇼 Established in 2015, PNMS protects 80% of Palau's national waters in a fully protected no-take zone. It's home to 30 marine mammal species, 60 species of sharks and rays and more.👏
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Marine Conservation Institute @savingoceans.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
Meet our new interns! 👋 We're thrilled to welcome Maryam, Priya, Srividya, Grace, and Jocelyn to the Marine Conservation Institute team! From our Blue Parks program to communications, they're diving right in to help us advance effective ocean protection.
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Marine Conservation Institute @savingoceans.bsky.social · 10/08/2026
Moment #6 of 30 🌊 OOC11 just made history as the first Our Ocean Conference held in Africa — hosted in Mombasa, Kenya. It's also where we announce our Blue Park Awards each year (except UNOC years).
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Marine Conservation Institute @savingoceans.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
🌊 Blue Parks Spotlight: Misool Marine Reserve, Raja Ampat. Community rangers, university-led reef monitoring, leopard shark rewilding with ReShark, and 1,331 metric tons of waste recycled since 2018. Community-led conservation in action. #BlueParks #RajaAmpat
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Marine Conservation Institute @savingoceans.bsky.social · 05/08/2026
Brijuni National Park 🇭🇷 protects one of Croatia's most biologically valuable marine areas, where limestone reefs, underwater caves, and seagrass meadows support a vast biodiversity. Fish abundance is 166% higher inside the park than nearby unprotected waters, with nearly 8× more fish biomass.
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Marine Conservation Institute @savingoceans.bsky.social · 04/08/2026
Goal met! 🌊 Since 2023, the Blue Parks Conservation Fund has sent donations straight to MPA managers on the frontlines. In 2024: 13 grants, 5+ countries, 35k+ distributed. In Ecuador, new tech cut report-prep time 28%. In Colombia, new gear helped rescue two shipwreck survivors. Thank you!
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Marine Conservation Institute @savingoceans.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
Ocean with David Attenborough just got 6 Emmy nominations. A good moment to remember: only 3% of the ocean is protected from things like bottom trawling. 8% has "some" protection - most of it doesn't hold up. Chcek out the data yourself via our Marine Protection Atlas. mpatlas.org
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Marine Conservation Institute @savingoceans.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
30x30 isn't just a numbers game. As Dona Bertarelli reminds us, protecting 30% of the ocean on paper means little if those protections aren't managed and enforced on the water. Real recovery depends on well-designed, well-funded, and well-enforced marine protected areas - not just lines on a map.
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Marine Conservation Institute @savingoceans.bsky.social · 30/07/2026
🗞️ ISA's 31st session wraps in Kingston this week, closing another round on deep-seabed mining rules - covering contract-to-license conversion, environmental safeguards & equitable access. 🗺️ See what's at stake for yourself: marine-conservation.org/hig... #DeepSeaMining #ISA #HighSeas
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Marine Conservation Institute @savingoceans.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
Happy #WildlifeWednesday from Jardines de la Reina! This Blue Park is one of the Caribbean's last largely intact reef ecosystems. Across 2,170 km² and 661 cays, it protects 37 coral species, 283 fish species, endangered Nassau grouper, Caribbean reef sharks, sea turtles, and more. 🌊
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Marine Conservation Institute @savingoceans.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
Meet some of the incredible wildlife of Exuma Cays Land & Sea Park 🇧🇸 from hawksbill turtles and reef sharks to Nassau grouper, queen conch, vibrant coral reefs, and the Bahamian rock iguana. #WildlifeWednesday #BlueParks #OceanConservation #30x30
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Reposted by Marine Conservation Institute
CSU COAST @csucoast.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
@savingoceans.bsky.social is asking #marine #scientists to sign a letter opposing BOEM's new proposal for #seabed #mining off Virginia. #Offshore mining could devastate #seafloor #ecosystems, spread harmful contaminants, and put #fisheries and #coastal livelihoods at risk. Find the letter here:
docs.google.com
By EOD 7/22: Scientist sign-on letter opposing seabed mining in Virginia
On June 23, 2026, the U.S. Department of Interior's Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) initiated the first steps that could lead to a lease sale for seabed mining in federal waters off Virginia'...
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Marine Conservation Institute @savingoceans.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
Moment #5 of 30 🌊 For more than a decade, MPAtlas has helped answer a question that matters just as much as how much of the ocean is protected: How well? By combining MPA data with science-based assessments, it helps track where protection is truly effective. #30Moments
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Marine Conservation Institute @savingoceans.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
A Blue Park Award isn't permanent. Every 5 years, sites must prove they still meet the Blue Park Standard. Aldabra Atoll Special Reserve has once again retained its Platinum Blue Park status. Read why this remarkable ecosystem continues to set the standard. marine-conservation.org/on-...
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Marine Conservation Institute @savingoceans.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
Imagine descending into a reef alive with manta rays, humpback whales, whitetip reef sharks, and schools of endemic fish. Welcome to Revillagigedo National Park - a Blue Park where effective protection delivers thriving marine ecosystems. #WildlifeWednesday
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Marine Conservation Institute @savingoceans.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
🦈 Happy #SharkAwarenessDay! Healthy shark populations are a sign of healthy oceans. These images come from Blue Parks around the world, where effective marine protection is helping sharks thrive. Because protecting places means protecting the species that depend on them. 🌊
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Marine Conservation Institute @savingoceans.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
What makes a marine protected area truly effective? 🌊 Join us on July 15 for an OCTO webinar to learn how the #BlueParks initiative is accelerating effective ocean conservation through science-based standards and a global network of marine protected areas. Register: octogroup.org/blue-parks-ac...
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Marine Conservation Institute @savingoceans.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
Wildlife Wednesday: Kisite Mpunguti Marine Protected Area 🇰🇪 Coral reefs, seagrass meadows, and mangroves come together to create a refuge for dolphins, humpback whales, whale sharks, sea turtles, dugongs, and seabirds along Kenya's coast. 🌊 #WildlifeWednesday #OceanConservation #BlueParks
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Marine Conservation Institute @savingoceans.bsky.social · 03/07/2026
🌊 Nominations for the 2027 Blue Park Awards are now open! Do you know a marine protected area that is setting the standard for effective ocean conservation? 🔗 Submit a nomination: marine-conservation.org/blu... #BlueParks #MarineConservation #MarineProtectedAreas
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Marine Conservation Institute @savingoceans.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
Happy Wildlife Wednesday! From towering kelp forests and vibrant sea urchins to humpback whales and massive schools of Pacific herring, the Blue Park Gitdisdzu Lugyeks (Kitasu Bay) MPA is a reminder that healthy oceans depend on healthy habitats. #WildlifeWednesday #BlueParks #OceanConservation
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Marine Conservation Institute @savingoceans.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
4.2 million km² of effectively protected ocean. That's roughly the size of the European Union. 🌍 Blue Parks now span 40 sites across 30 countries & Indigenous territories, proving that effective marine protection delivers lasting results. #BlueParks #30x30
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Marine Conservation Institute @savingoceans.bsky.social · 26/06/2026
The Blue Parks Conservation Fund campaign ends at the end of this month. Since 2023, small grants have helped local conservation partners strengthen marine protection Help make the next round of grants possible: mci.blue/fund 🌊
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Marine Conservation Institute @savingoceans.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
🌊 Five years after earning Blue Park status, Kisite Mpunguti Marine Protected Area in Kenya has successfully renewed its Gold-level award! Despite challenges, the MPA continues to deliver strong conservation outcomes through effective management, enforcement, monitoring, and community engagement.
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Marine Conservation Institute @savingoceans.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
🌊 Happy #WildlifeWednesday from Rapa Nui Marine Protected Area! Rapa Nui protects over 720,000 km² of ocean, including coral reefs, seamounts, hydrothermal vents, and habitat for sea turtles, sharks, whales, seabirds, and many endemic species. #OceanConservation #MarineProtectedAreas #RapaNui
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Marine Conservation Institute @savingoceans.bsky.social · 22/06/2026
Last week, we were in Mombasa, Kenya - where the Indian Ocean meets decades of hard-won conservation progress.  Meet the region’s Blue Parks and Sparks:  🪸 Kisite-Mpunguti 🪸 Chumbe Island Coral Park 🪸 Aldabra Atoll Special Reserve 🩵 Sidika Dive into the data at mpatlas.org
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Marine Conservation Institute @savingoceans.bsky.social · 20/06/2026
As Kenya hosts #OurOceanConference, MPA Day is spotlighting Kisite–Mpunguti Marine Park & Reserve - Kenya’s first Blue Park. From dolphins and coral reefs to community stewardship and coral recovery, this story shows what long-term marine protection can make possible. #BlueParks #OceanProtection
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