Marine Conservation Institute
@savingoceans.bsky.social
Saving wild ocean places for 30 years—and counting
🩵 Blue Parks
🌊 High Seas
🗺️ MPAtlas
📌 https://marine-conservation.org/
🩵 Blue Parks
🌊 High Seas
🗺️ MPAtlas
📌 https://marine-conservation.org/
Pinned
We’ve launched the updated Blue Park Standard 2025 — a science-based framework defining what truly effective marine protection looks like.
See what's new:
🔗 marine-conservation.org/blu...
See what's new:
🔗 marine-conservation.org/blu...
On International Day of Women & Girls in Science, we recognize the women advancing ocean protection - from local rangers to global policy leaders.
Their work strengthens Blue Parks, MPAtlas, and High Seas efforts worldwide.
Science-based protection depends on diverse leadership. 🌊
Their work strengthens Blue Parks, MPAtlas, and High Seas efforts worldwide.
Science-based protection depends on diverse leadership. 🌊
February 12, 2026 at 5:00 PM
On International Day of Women & Girls in Science, we recognize the women advancing ocean protection - from local rangers to global policy leaders.
Their work strengthens Blue Parks, MPAtlas, and High Seas efforts worldwide.
Science-based protection depends on diverse leadership. 🌊
Their work strengthens Blue Parks, MPAtlas, and High Seas efforts worldwide.
Science-based protection depends on diverse leadership. 🌊
Marine monuments are the national parks of the sea. The Northeast Canyons & Seamounts is the only one in the U.S. Atlantic—and rolling back its protections defies science and public will. 83% of New Englanders support these safeguards.
#SaveTheSeamounts
#SaveTheSeamounts
February 7, 2026 at 9:11 PM
Marine monuments are the national parks of the sea. The Northeast Canyons & Seamounts is the only one in the U.S. Atlantic—and rolling back its protections defies science and public will. 83% of New Englanders support these safeguards.
#SaveTheSeamounts
#SaveTheSeamounts
New MPAtlas data update 📍
As of Jan 1, 2026, the Azores MPA Network is officially in force—protecting about 30,000 km² of ocean in the North Atlantic Ocean. Full marine reserves overlap EBSAs, seamounts & IMMAs.
Explore the data: mpatlas.org/countries/PRT
As of Jan 1, 2026, the Azores MPA Network is officially in force—protecting about 30,000 km² of ocean in the North Atlantic Ocean. Full marine reserves overlap EBSAs, seamounts & IMMAs.
Explore the data: mpatlas.org/countries/PRT
January 30, 2026 at 5:40 PM
New MPAtlas data update 📍
As of Jan 1, 2026, the Azores MPA Network is officially in force—protecting about 30,000 km² of ocean in the North Atlantic Ocean. Full marine reserves overlap EBSAs, seamounts & IMMAs.
Explore the data: mpatlas.org/countries/PRT
As of Jan 1, 2026, the Azores MPA Network is officially in force—protecting about 30,000 km² of ocean in the North Atlantic Ocean. Full marine reserves overlap EBSAs, seamounts & IMMAs.
Explore the data: mpatlas.org/countries/PRT
As MPAs expanded globally, accountability had to follow.
Better data and clearer standards helped shift ocean protection from how much was protected to how well it worked—turning ambition into measurable impact. 🌊
#ChartingTheCourse #OceanProtection #30x30
Better data and clearer standards helped shift ocean protection from how much was protected to how well it worked—turning ambition into measurable impact. 🌊
#ChartingTheCourse #OceanProtection #30x30
January 29, 2026 at 6:03 PM
As MPAs expanded globally, accountability had to follow.
Better data and clearer standards helped shift ocean protection from how much was protected to how well it worked—turning ambition into measurable impact. 🌊
#ChartingTheCourse #OceanProtection #30x30
Better data and clearer standards helped shift ocean protection from how much was protected to how well it worked—turning ambition into measurable impact. 🌊
#ChartingTheCourse #OceanProtection #30x30
Effective protection delivers results.
At Misool Private Marine Reserve—one of our Blue Parks—fish biomass is up 248%, shark numbers 190%, and manta rays have doubled over a decade.
Designed, enforced, and sustained protection works. 🌊
📸 Shawn Heinrichs; Tobias Zimmer
At Misool Private Marine Reserve—one of our Blue Parks—fish biomass is up 248%, shark numbers 190%, and manta rays have doubled over a decade.
Designed, enforced, and sustained protection works. 🌊
📸 Shawn Heinrichs; Tobias Zimmer
January 28, 2026 at 4:17 PM
Effective protection delivers results.
At Misool Private Marine Reserve—one of our Blue Parks—fish biomass is up 248%, shark numbers 190%, and manta rays have doubled over a decade.
Designed, enforced, and sustained protection works. 🌊
📸 Shawn Heinrichs; Tobias Zimmer
At Misool Private Marine Reserve—one of our Blue Parks—fish biomass is up 248%, shark numbers 190%, and manta rays have doubled over a decade.
Designed, enforced, and sustained protection works. 🌊
📸 Shawn Heinrichs; Tobias Zimmer
Protection only lasts if it’s managed—and enforced.
Blue Park evaluations look beyond designation to assess real-world management, compliance, and outcomes. Public comments on the 2026 nominees are open now.
🗓️ Comment by 5 Feb
🔗 marine-conservation.org/blu...
Blue Park evaluations look beyond designation to assess real-world management, compliance, and outcomes. Public comments on the 2026 nominees are open now.
🗓️ Comment by 5 Feb
🔗 marine-conservation.org/blu...
January 27, 2026 at 4:30 PM
Protection only lasts if it’s managed—and enforced.
Blue Park evaluations look beyond designation to assess real-world management, compliance, and outcomes. Public comments on the 2026 nominees are open now.
🗓️ Comment by 5 Feb
🔗 marine-conservation.org/blu...
Blue Park evaluations look beyond designation to assess real-world management, compliance, and outcomes. Public comments on the 2026 nominees are open now.
🗓️ Comment by 5 Feb
🔗 marine-conservation.org/blu...
The high seas are deeply connected—ecologically, not politically.
With the BBNJ Agreement in force, ABMTs like high seas MPAs can now be proposed, reviewed, and adopted collectively to protect shared ocean ecosystems beyond national borders.
🔗 marine-conservation.org/hig...
With the BBNJ Agreement in force, ABMTs like high seas MPAs can now be proposed, reviewed, and adopted collectively to protect shared ocean ecosystems beyond national borders.
🔗 marine-conservation.org/hig...
January 26, 2026 at 4:33 PM
The high seas are deeply connected—ecologically, not politically.
With the BBNJ Agreement in force, ABMTs like high seas MPAs can now be proposed, reviewed, and adopted collectively to protect shared ocean ecosystems beyond national borders.
🔗 marine-conservation.org/hig...
With the BBNJ Agreement in force, ABMTs like high seas MPAs can now be proposed, reviewed, and adopted collectively to protect shared ocean ecosystems beyond national borders.
🔗 marine-conservation.org/hig...
Before marine conservation was widely recognized, science challenged the idea that the ocean was “in good shape.” 30 years ago, Marine Conservation Institute was founded to turn that knowledge into action. This is where our story begins. 🌊
January 22, 2026 at 5:30 PM
Before marine conservation was widely recognized, science challenged the idea that the ocean was “in good shape.” 30 years ago, Marine Conservation Institute was founded to turn that knowledge into action. This is where our story begins. 🌊
Happy #WildlifeWednesday 🌊
Just a few moments from Kahoʻolawe Island Reserve—monk seals, sea turtles, dolphins, and seabirds sharing protected waters.
📸 Ross Kamimoto & KIRC
Just a few moments from Kahoʻolawe Island Reserve—monk seals, sea turtles, dolphins, and seabirds sharing protected waters.
📸 Ross Kamimoto & KIRC
January 21, 2026 at 5:30 PM
Happy #WildlifeWednesday 🌊
Just a few moments from Kahoʻolawe Island Reserve—monk seals, sea turtles, dolphins, and seabirds sharing protected waters.
📸 Ross Kamimoto & KIRC
Just a few moments from Kahoʻolawe Island Reserve—monk seals, sea turtles, dolphins, and seabirds sharing protected waters.
📸 Ross Kamimoto & KIRC
Does protection actually cover the biodiversity that matters?
The Blue Park Standard evaluates whether MPAs protect high-value ecosystems and species at scale. Evaluation reports for Blue Park Awards nominees are now open for public comment.
🗓️ Comment by 2/5
🔗 marine-conservation.org/on-...
The Blue Park Standard evaluates whether MPAs protect high-value ecosystems and species at scale. Evaluation reports for Blue Park Awards nominees are now open for public comment.
🗓️ Comment by 2/5
🔗 marine-conservation.org/on-...
January 20, 2026 at 8:43 PM
Does protection actually cover the biodiversity that matters?
The Blue Park Standard evaluates whether MPAs protect high-value ecosystems and species at scale. Evaluation reports for Blue Park Awards nominees are now open for public comment.
🗓️ Comment by 2/5
🔗 marine-conservation.org/on-...
The Blue Park Standard evaluates whether MPAs protect high-value ecosystems and species at scale. Evaluation reports for Blue Park Awards nominees are now open for public comment.
🗓️ Comment by 2/5
🔗 marine-conservation.org/on-...
The High Seas Treaty has entered into force!
A milestone—yes. But more importantly, a beginning.
Now what?
#BBNJ #HighSeas #OceanProtection
A milestone—yes. But more importantly, a beginning.
Now what?
#BBNJ #HighSeas #OceanProtection
January 17, 2026 at 11:36 PM
The High Seas Treaty has entered into force!
A milestone—yes. But more importantly, a beginning.
Now what?
#BBNJ #HighSeas #OceanProtection
A milestone—yes. But more importantly, a beginning.
Now what?
#BBNJ #HighSeas #OceanProtection
The High Seas Treaty is on the cusp of entering into force—but its impact will be defined by what comes next.
Implementation is where ambition becomes action. Our focus: ABMTs and strong high seas MPA proposals that deliver real protection.
🌊 marine-conservation.org/hig...
Implementation is where ambition becomes action. Our focus: ABMTs and strong high seas MPA proposals that deliver real protection.
🌊 marine-conservation.org/hig...
January 16, 2026 at 9:21 PM
The High Seas Treaty is on the cusp of entering into force—but its impact will be defined by what comes next.
Implementation is where ambition becomes action. Our focus: ABMTs and strong high seas MPA proposals that deliver real protection.
🌊 marine-conservation.org/hig...
Implementation is where ambition becomes action. Our focus: ABMTs and strong high seas MPA proposals that deliver real protection.
🌊 marine-conservation.org/hig...
Protecting 30% of the ocean only matters if protection is effective.
The revised Blue Park Standard guides science-based assessments of marine protected areas. Evaluation Reports for 2026 nominees are now open for public comment through Feb 5.
🔗 Review & comment: marine-conservation.org/blu...
The revised Blue Park Standard guides science-based assessments of marine protected areas. Evaluation Reports for 2026 nominees are now open for public comment through Feb 5.
🔗 Review & comment: marine-conservation.org/blu...
January 15, 2026 at 8:14 PM
Protecting 30% of the ocean only matters if protection is effective.
The revised Blue Park Standard guides science-based assessments of marine protected areas. Evaluation Reports for 2026 nominees are now open for public comment through Feb 5.
🔗 Review & comment: marine-conservation.org/blu...
The revised Blue Park Standard guides science-based assessments of marine protected areas. Evaluation Reports for 2026 nominees are now open for public comment through Feb 5.
🔗 Review & comment: marine-conservation.org/blu...
Happy #WildlifeWednesday 🐠
A little reminder of the incredible biodiversity we’re fighting for—from Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, one of our Blue Parks.
📸 Tommy Schultz
A little reminder of the incredible biodiversity we’re fighting for—from Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, one of our Blue Parks.
📸 Tommy Schultz
January 14, 2026 at 11:25 PM
Happy #WildlifeWednesday 🐠
A little reminder of the incredible biodiversity we’re fighting for—from Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, one of our Blue Parks.
📸 Tommy Schultz
A little reminder of the incredible biodiversity we’re fighting for—from Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, one of our Blue Parks.
📸 Tommy Schultz
Nearly half the ocean lies beyond national borders.
The BBNJ Agreement creates a path to protect it—together.
What happens next will shape whether high seas conservation becomes real protection, not just policy.
Learn more: marine-conservation.org/hig...
The BBNJ Agreement creates a path to protect it—together.
What happens next will shape whether high seas conservation becomes real protection, not just policy.
Learn more: marine-conservation.org/hig...
January 13, 2026 at 7:35 PM
Nearly half the ocean lies beyond national borders.
The BBNJ Agreement creates a path to protect it—together.
What happens next will shape whether high seas conservation becomes real protection, not just policy.
Learn more: marine-conservation.org/hig...
The BBNJ Agreement creates a path to protect it—together.
What happens next will shape whether high seas conservation becomes real protection, not just policy.
Learn more: marine-conservation.org/hig...
Meet the 2026 Blue Park Nominees 📍
This year’s nominees reflect diverse, place-based approaches to effective marine protection around the world.
Learn more about the nominated sites and the evaluation process → bit.ly/2026-nominees
#BlueParks #MarineProtectedAreas #OceanProtection
This year’s nominees reflect diverse, place-based approaches to effective marine protection around the world.
Learn more about the nominated sites and the evaluation process → bit.ly/2026-nominees
#BlueParks #MarineProtectedAreas #OceanProtection
January 12, 2026 at 8:03 PM
Meet the 2026 Blue Park Nominees 📍
This year’s nominees reflect diverse, place-based approaches to effective marine protection around the world.
Learn more about the nominated sites and the evaluation process → bit.ly/2026-nominees
#BlueParks #MarineProtectedAreas #OceanProtection
This year’s nominees reflect diverse, place-based approaches to effective marine protection around the world.
Learn more about the nominated sites and the evaluation process → bit.ly/2026-nominees
#BlueParks #MarineProtectedAreas #OceanProtection
Halfway through the UN Ocean Decade, the data is clear:
Nearly 10% of the ocean is reported as protected—but only 3.2% is fully or highly protected.
Why the gap? And what’s at stake for 30×30?
🔗 Read about it here: bit.ly/halfway-to-30x30
Nearly 10% of the ocean is reported as protected—but only 3.2% is fully or highly protected.
Why the gap? And what’s at stake for 30×30?
🔗 Read about it here: bit.ly/halfway-to-30x30
January 9, 2026 at 10:36 PM
Halfway through the UN Ocean Decade, the data is clear:
Nearly 10% of the ocean is reported as protected—but only 3.2% is fully or highly protected.
Why the gap? And what’s at stake for 30×30?
🔗 Read about it here: bit.ly/halfway-to-30x30
Nearly 10% of the ocean is reported as protected—but only 3.2% is fully or highly protected.
Why the gap? And what’s at stake for 30×30?
🔗 Read about it here: bit.ly/halfway-to-30x30
We can’t reach #30x30 without the High Seas.
Nearly half of the ocean lies beyond national borders — and until recently, had no legal protection. The High Seas Treaty changes that. Now, implementation is everything.
🌊 marine-conservation.org/hig...
Nearly half of the ocean lies beyond national borders — and until recently, had no legal protection. The High Seas Treaty changes that. Now, implementation is everything.
🌊 marine-conservation.org/hig...
January 7, 2026 at 2:00 PM
We can’t reach #30x30 without the High Seas.
Nearly half of the ocean lies beyond national borders — and until recently, had no legal protection. The High Seas Treaty changes that. Now, implementation is everything.
🌊 marine-conservation.org/hig...
Nearly half of the ocean lies beyond national borders — and until recently, had no legal protection. The High Seas Treaty changes that. Now, implementation is everything.
🌊 marine-conservation.org/hig...
Happy 17th birthday to our Pacific marine monuments! These treasured ocean places protect seabirds, whales, sharks & tuna, and countless other species of ocean wildlife. Let’s celebrate their legacy, not tear it down.
January 6, 2026 at 8:52 PM
Happy 17th birthday to our Pacific marine monuments! These treasured ocean places protect seabirds, whales, sharks & tuna, and countless other species of ocean wildlife. Let’s celebrate their legacy, not tear it down.
As 2025 comes to a close, Marine Conservation Institute President Dr. Lance Morgan reflects on the state of ocean protection — and the work ahead as we move toward 30×30.
Read A Letter from Our President: marine-conservation.org/on-...
Read A Letter from Our President: marine-conservation.org/on-...
January 2, 2026 at 7:39 PM
As 2025 comes to a close, Marine Conservation Institute President Dr. Lance Morgan reflects on the state of ocean protection — and the work ahead as we move toward 30×30.
Read A Letter from Our President: marine-conservation.org/on-...
Read A Letter from Our President: marine-conservation.org/on-...
A Half Decade in Review 🌍
At the midpoint of the UN Ocean Decade, MPAtlas data shows how marine protection has evolved since 2020—highlighting progress toward 30×30 and why protection quality matters for real biodiversity outcomes.
#MPAtlas #OceanDecade #30x30
At the midpoint of the UN Ocean Decade, MPAtlas data shows how marine protection has evolved since 2020—highlighting progress toward 30×30 and why protection quality matters for real biodiversity outcomes.
#MPAtlas #OceanDecade #30x30
January 2, 2026 at 3:31 AM
A Half Decade in Review 🌍
At the midpoint of the UN Ocean Decade, MPAtlas data shows how marine protection has evolved since 2020—highlighting progress toward 30×30 and why protection quality matters for real biodiversity outcomes.
#MPAtlas #OceanDecade #30x30
At the midpoint of the UN Ocean Decade, MPAtlas data shows how marine protection has evolved since 2020—highlighting progress toward 30×30 and why protection quality matters for real biodiversity outcomes.
#MPAtlas #OceanDecade #30x30
This is Kyra—and this is her coral story.
Check out the Blue Park Award Recipient, Misool Marine Reserve (or Misool Foundation) to learn more.
#BlueParks
Check out the Blue Park Award Recipient, Misool Marine Reserve (or Misool Foundation) to learn more.
#BlueParks
December 30, 2025 at 8:43 PM
This is Kyra—and this is her coral story.
Check out the Blue Park Award Recipient, Misool Marine Reserve (or Misool Foundation) to learn more.
#BlueParks
Check out the Blue Park Award Recipient, Misool Marine Reserve (or Misool Foundation) to learn more.
#BlueParks
A quiet moment can change everything.
In the Galápagos, surrounded by baby sharks, Nandita Parker knew: “I’ve got to protect this.”
Watch her reflection on ocean intelligence and why science-backed protection matters. 🌊
🎥 www.youtube.com/watch?v=HEw...
In the Galápagos, surrounded by baby sharks, Nandita Parker knew: “I’ve got to protect this.”
Watch her reflection on ocean intelligence and why science-backed protection matters. 🌊
🎥 www.youtube.com/watch?v=HEw...
December 30, 2025 at 4:36 PM
A quiet moment can change everything.
In the Galápagos, surrounded by baby sharks, Nandita Parker knew: “I’ve got to protect this.”
Watch her reflection on ocean intelligence and why science-backed protection matters. 🌊
🎥 www.youtube.com/watch?v=HEw...
In the Galápagos, surrounded by baby sharks, Nandita Parker knew: “I’ve got to protect this.”
Watch her reflection on ocean intelligence and why science-backed protection matters. 🌊
🎥 www.youtube.com/watch?v=HEw...
On Jan 17, 2026, the BBNJ Agreement enters into force — opening a new chapter for protecting the High Seas. But MPAs must be strong, science-based, and effective to deliver real protection. The ocean’s future depends on it.
🌊 Read more here: marine-conservation.org/on-...
#DefendtheDeep
🌊 Read more here: marine-conservation.org/on-...
#DefendtheDeep
December 17, 2025 at 2:00 PM
On Jan 17, 2026, the BBNJ Agreement enters into force — opening a new chapter for protecting the High Seas. But MPAs must be strong, science-based, and effective to deliver real protection. The ocean’s future depends on it.
🌊 Read more here: marine-conservation.org/on-...
#DefendtheDeep
🌊 Read more here: marine-conservation.org/on-...
#DefendtheDeep
Seamounts are the ocean’s hidden rest stops — vital places where migratory species pause, feed, and survive on journeys across the planet. Protecting them means protecting ocean connectivity itself.
One ocean. Many connections.
#DefendtheDeep
One ocean. Many connections.
#DefendtheDeep
December 16, 2025 at 11:51 PM
Seamounts are the ocean’s hidden rest stops — vital places where migratory species pause, feed, and survive on journeys across the planet. Protecting them means protecting ocean connectivity itself.
One ocean. Many connections.
#DefendtheDeep
One ocean. Many connections.
#DefendtheDeep