Mission Blue Annual Report 2025: Hope Spot Growth, Ocean Conservation Impact, and Progress Toward 30×30

A wave begins with a single movement, but it gathers strength from everything it touches.

Over the past year, that wave has carried hope, action, and measurable progress across the ocean. It has reached coral reefs in Fiji, coastal communities in Mozambique, the waters of Egypt’s Great Fringing Reef of the Red Sea and beyond. It has been powered by scientists, storytellers, local leaders, partners, advocates, and supporters who believe the ocean is worth fighting for.

Today, we are proud to share Mission Blue’s 2025 Annual Impact Report.

Every milestone in this report reflects a global community choosing to invest in a healthier future for our blue planet. Together, we now support 169 Hope Spots across 115 countries and the High Seas, representing more than 57 million square kilometers of ocean.

Hope Spot Network Expands Across 115 Countries and the High Seas

In 2025, we welcomed three new Hope Spots to our global network.

• The Chesapeake Bay Hope Spot recognized North America’s largest estuary for its extraordinary biodiversity, deep cultural heritage, and ongoing restoration efforts.
• The Fernando de Noronha Hope Spot, a UNESCO World Heritage Site off Brazil’s northeastern coast known for its crystal-clear waters, thriving marine life, and globally significant biodiversity.
• Along California’s coast, the Cordell Bank Hope Spot joined the network, highlighting one of the most productive marine ecosystems in the eastern Pacific and strengthening efforts to safeguard its rich abundance of marine wildlife.

These additions reflect the continued growth of a global movement that connects communities, scientists, and decision-makers around the shared goal of protecting the ocean. Combined with conservation victories in existing Hope Spots—from Uruguay to Australia to Mozambique to Egypt—the network continues to demonstrate how local action can drive global impact.

Investing in Local Ocean Conservation Leaders Through the Hope Spot Champion Fund

Through the Hope Spot Champion Fund, Mission Blue has directed nearly $1.9 million to local leaders advancing protection, restoration, research, and education in some of the world’s most important marine ecosystems. We extend our deepest appreciation to Rolex and The Plum Foundation, whose support makes this work possible.

In 2025, the Fund supported Hope Spot Champions in the Philippines, Costa Rica, South Africa, and Spain, advancing community-led conservation through reef monitoring, mangrove restoration, ocean education, and marine research. From training citizen scientists to planting more than 24,000 mangroves and inspiring the next generation of ocean advocates, these projects demonstrate the power of local leadership to create lasting impact for the ocean.

Ocean Conservation Progress Shows What’s Possible When Communities Unite

The journey toward protecting 30% of the ocean by 2030 is far from over. Yet this report is a powerful reminder that meaningful progress is possible when committed people come together around a shared vision.

Every Hope Spot designated, every protected area established, every community empowered, and every conservation leader supported brings us closer to a future where the ocean can thrive.