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Restoring Shinnecock Bay Hope Spot Through Indigenous Leadership and Ocean Science

A new visual story highlights the people and partnerships driving restoration in the Shinnecock Bay Hope Spot® on Long Island, New York. Led by scientists from Stony Brook University in collaboration with the Shinnecock Nation, this effort combines cutting-edge research with generations of Indigenous stewardship to restore a vital coastal ecosystem.
At the heart of the work is an innovative, low-impact approach to studying marine life using environmental DNA, collected by a solar-powered uncrewed vessel. This technology is helping researchers better understand biodiversity while protecting sensitive habitats.
Designated a Mission Blue Hope Spot in 2022, Shinnecock Bay is showing tangible signs of recovery after decades of degradation. The project demonstrates how science, culture, and community can come together to rebuild ocean health—and offers a powerful model for coastal restoration efforts around the world. …

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Strengthening Ocean Conservation in Southern Africa: Mission Blue Unites Hope Spot Champions in South Africa and Mozambique

 
DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA & MAPUTO, MOZAMBIQUE — Mission Blue recently concluded a series of workshops and partnership meetings in South Africa and Mozambique, bringing together Hope Spot Champions, conservation organisations, scientists, and government partners to strengthen collaboration and accelerate ocean protection across this globally significant region.
Stretching along the southwestern Indian Ocean, the marine ecosystems of South Africa and Mozambique support extraordinary biodiversity, vital migratory routes for marine species, and coastal communities whose livelihoods depend on a healthy ocean. These gatherings created space for leaders working on the frontlines of conservation to share lessons learned, align strategies, and build stronger partnerships for the protection of these critical marine areas.
Hope Spots: Critical Places for the Ocean
Mission Blue’s Hope Spots are special places around the world that have been scientifically identified as critical to the health of the ocean.…

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Sustainable Ocean Alliance Perú named Co-Champion for the Tropical Sea of Peru Hope Spot

 
LIMA, PERÚ – Mission Blue today announces Sustainable Ocean Alliance Perú (SOA Perú) as a new Hope Spot Champion, alongside long-time co-Champion Follow E.G.S., recognising their leadership in advancing youth-driven ocean protection in the Tropical Pacific Sea of Perú—the country’s first Mission Blue Hope Spot and one of its most biologically important marine regions.
Located in Northern Perú, where the Humboldt current meets the warm North Equatorial current, the Tropical Pacific Sea of Perú is a hub of diverse ocean life. Away from the hustle, bustle, and impact of big cities, it serves as a refuge for an abundance of wildlife such as groupers, sharks, manta rays, Humboldt penguins, sea turtles, and an array of bird and fish species. The mixing currents, coupled with one of the largest upwelling systems in the world, bring nutrient-rich deep water towards the surface, creating a high level of endemism and a unique ecosystem where tropical and cold water species thrive. …

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Egypt’s Great Fringing Reef Hope Spot to Receive Full Government Protection

Featured image: Egyptian Red Sea, ©Renata Romeo/Ocean Image Bank
HURGHADA, EGYPT – In an important step for marine conservation in the Red Sea, Egypt’s Prime Minister has announced the formal move to protect the Great Fringing Reef, a globally significant coral reef system renowned for its climate resilience and unique biodiversity. 
In a significant meeting in October 2024, led by Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, and including key figures Dr. Yasmine Fouad, Minister of Environment, senior officials from the Ministry of Tourism, the General Authority for Tourism Development, and the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency and Prof. Mahmoud Hanafy, Hope Spot Champion for the Great Fringing Reef, discussion focused on the necessary steps for declaring the Great Fringing Reef a protected area.…

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Mission Blue Dives into the 2025 IUCN World Conservation Congress

(ABU DHABI, UAE) – Last week, Mission Blue team members including Dr. Sylvia Earle and Chief Scientist Dr. Tessa Hempson attended the IUCN World Conservation Congress (IUCN WCC). The IUCN WCC occurs only every four years, and represents a significant opportunity for nature conservationists, decision-makers, and leaders to come together to develop and set benchmarks for global priorities in conservation.
Our goals at Mission Blue are to continue the work from the UN Ocean Conference in Nice. This includes affirming the One Ocean Partnership, supporting aligning motions through co-sponsorship and voting (see below), and continuing to build a network that is ready to turn high level ambition into impact for ocean protection. 
About the One Ocean Partnership, Dr. Tessa Hempson says, “The One Ocean Partnership isn’t about creating something new — it’s about bringing us together.…

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UNESCO World Heritage Site Fernando de Noronha Archipelago Joins Mission Blue Hope Spot Network

[FERNANDO DE NORONHA, BRAZIL] – The Fernando de Noronha Archipelago rises from the Atlantic waters off the northeastern coast of Brazil as a chain of 21 volcanic islands. World-renowned for its crystal-clear waters, abundant marine life, and breathtaking landscapes, the inhabited main island of Fernando de Noronha has become one of Brazil’s most sought-after tourism destinations.
International marine conservation nonprofit Mission Blue is proud to announce the Fernando de Noronha Archipelago as our newest Hope Spot. Fabio Borges, President of Instituto Vida no Oceano and Projeto Tubarões e Raias de Noronha, and Rafaely Ventura, Project Coordinator at Projeto Tamar, are recognized as the Hope Spot Champions.

“Fernando de Noronha is one of the most extraordinary environments in that tropical Atlantic. Its translucent waters and abundant marine life make it a true sanctuary of biodiversity.…

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Abrolhos Hope Spot New Champion Designation Highlights Brazil’s Marine Biodiversity

[ABROLHOS, BRAZIL] – International marine conservation nonprofit Mission Blue is proud to announce new Champions for our Abrolhos Hope Spot. Danieli Marinho Nobre, Senior Conservation Analyst at WWF-Brazil, and Guilherme Fraga Dutra, Executive Secretary of Abrolhos Forever (Abrolhos para Sempre), have been at the forefront of safeguarding this globally significant marine area, working together to catalyze Abrolhos Forever, a conservation collective to protect the region.
“I’m delighted to share wonderful news about one of the most extraordinary places in the ocean, Abrolhos, a Hope Spot that truly lives up to its name,” said Dr. Sylvia Earle, Founder of Mission Blue. “That’s why the creation of the Abrolhos Forever Coalition makes such a vital step in terms of making a difference. The Hope Spot Champions, along with the coalition, are working to catalyze action to build partnerships and of course to ensure that the Abrolhos continues to thrive as a beacon of hope.”…

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Hope Spot Champion Grantee Highlight: Kahaluʻu Bay

Header Image: Identifying Coral Species. Credit: The Kohala Center. 
Hānau ka ʻUkukoʻakoʻa, hānau kāna, he ʻĀkoʻakoʻa, puka 
Born was the coral polyp, born was the coral, came forth  
Article written by: Cindi Punihaole & Kathleen Clark – The Kohala Center.
The Kumulipo, a Hawaiian genesis chant, reveals to us that the coral polyp was the first  being born from the darkness. Koʻa (coral) is the ancestor from which all other life  followed. Koʻa spawning, an ancient process, connects us to the past. This year, as our  team diligently prepared for another opportunity to learn from this sacred process, we  opened ourselves to the limitless wisdom found in the winds, currents, tides, fish, coral,  and limu. Kahaluʻu holds all the answers we seek; it is our kuleana (responsibility) to  listen. …

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Mission Blue, together with our incredible Hope Spot Champions and partners, united to make this the most impactful Marine Protected Areas Day yet!

Header image – MPA Day participants in the False Bay Hope Spot. Credit: Two Oceans Aquarium

In just five years, South African-born Marine Protected Areas (MPA) Day has grown into a global movement, raising awareness about the critical importance of MPAs – for both people and nature.
Since joining the campaign in 2024, Mission Blue, through its powerful network and passionate Hope Spot Champions, has played an integral role in creating the biggest wave of impact yet.
This year, the campaign more than doubled in size, thanks in part to Mission Blue’s global reach and unwavering commitment to ocean protection. Highlights from this year’s celebration include:

Dr. Judy Mann, Founder of MPA Day, Executive of Strategic Projects at the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation, and False Bay Co-Champion, shared:

“We knew that this year’s MPA Day would be big, but we never imagined it would be this big.…

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Exmouth Gulf Marine Park Declared, Protecting Hope Spot

Cover image: Courtesy of Oceanwise Australia
EXMOUTH GULF, AUSTRALIA – Exmouth Gulf and the Ningaloo Coast form one of Earth’s extraordinary marine ecosystems, home to whales, dugongs, dolphins, turtles, manta rays, sea snakes, and migratory shorebirds. The area is also home to significant Aboriginal cultural heritage, with evidence of continuous connection and stewardship stretching back more than 40,000 years. Its seagrass meadows, mangrove systems, and sheltered waters provide important nursery grounds for marine life and play a vital role in the broader Ningaloo ecosystem.
On September 4, 2025, the Cook Government announced the establishment of a whole-of-gulf marine park, marking a major milestone in conservation for the region. This outcome reflects decades of persistent research and advocacy, outlined in detail in the timeline below.…

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