The ocean remembers its guardians.
On December 26, 2025, the ocean lost one of its fiercest protectors. Kristina Maria Gjerde—often called the mother of the High Seas—passed from this world, leaving behind a legacy written not only in law and policy, but in the living fabric of the ocean itself. Kristina was a member of the Mission Blue family, serving on the Hope Spots Council since its inception. 
Kristina Gjerde and Dr. Sylvia Earle worked together over many years as complementary forces in global ocean conservation—one shaping the legal and policy architecture needed to protect the ocean, the other galvanizing public awareness, science, and moral urgency.
Their collaboration was rooted in a shared belief that the ocean is a living system deserving of protection beyond national boundaries. …

Featured image: ©Andrew Stevenson
 
NEW YORK, NY– On January 17, 2026, the High Seas Treaty—formally the Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ)—entered into force, marking a historic moment for the ocean and for global cooperation.

“Half of the world is beyond national jurisdiction – the blue half that has a disproportionately significant role in maintaining Earth as a planet hospitable for life as we know it. Today, with the entry into force of the High Seas Treaty, marks a significant step in the right direction. Now is the time to take this action and keep going. The ocean is large and resilient, but not too big to fail – and we have an opportunity now to drive impactful ocean protection.…