From the TEDxOilSpill blog:We are honored to announce that undersea experts Philippe Cousteau and Sylvia Earle will be speaking at TEDxOilSpill on June 28 in Washington, DC.
As a member of the legendary Cousteau family, Philippe is continuing the work of his father through EarthEcho International, the non-profit organization he founded with his sister and mother and of which he serves as CEO. Philippe was the first person to dive into the Gulf oil spill, witnessing first hand the damage being done, and he has played a central role in bringing attention to the ongoing disaster.
For the full article…click here…

So far, the weather is warm and the scenery is spectacular!  Mission Blue guests continue to roll in and the energy is ramping up.
The other night after dinner,  a small group of guests wanting to linger came upstairs to the lounge on-board. Out came a couple of guitars from our film and local boat crews.

Daryl Hannah, Damien Drake & Fischer Stevens all kicked off  a little Latin jam session that was so much fun!. Serenades both humorous and heart-felt were dedicated to Sylvia.  It was so apparent that her positive spirit touches everyone around her.  She is respected, adored and carries the message of hope for the ocean so powerfully.

Written by Laura Cassiani…

National Geographic Endeavour
Credit: Sven-Olof Lindblad

The first wave of Mission Blue guests arrived in Ecuador late last week.  We were met by our gracious Lindblad guides, transported to the National Geographic Endeavor and in the water for the first dive of the day by 1 pm.
Our divers sighted hammerhead sharks, sea turtles, loads of fish and sea lions—some with pups.  Later that evening, Sylvia hosted a welcome dinner at Angermeyer Point restaurant in Puerto Ayora, which is owned by her dear friend and Galápagos native, Fiddy Angermeyer.

Dr. Sylvia Earle toasts the crew and early arrivals TED / James Duncan Davidson

Sylvia noted that when she first met Fiddy in 1966, the Galápagos Islands had less than 1000 residents; today there are almost 30,000.…

Saturday was dedicated to conservation in Belize, both land and sea. The day began with an early morning interview with Anna Hoare, Belize Audubon Society’s dedicated executive director. Her passion for Belize’s natural wonders was inspiring, and as she talked, we learned that the conservation movement here faces many challenges and has scored some impressive successes.
For example, Anna informed us that Belize has thus far protected ‘only 14%’ of its marine areas—still far from its goal of 20%. Only 14%? If the rest of the world were as conscientious as Belize, our life-giving ocean would be 1400% better protected! Belize Audubon is one of those NGOs that are quietly making a difference, and we hope everyone who reads this will check them out and consider a gift of support: http://www.belizeaudubon.org/…

Belize is a blessed with millions of birds—of the sea, shore and land—and today we got to experience multitudes of them at Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary. Situated in Northern Belize, about 20 miles inland and an hour north of Belize City, the Sanctuary is reached via a long, narrow causeway that leads to a tiny village at its center. We’d been told it was a very safe place to visit—but one look at the abandoned police station convinced us that crime must be a thing of the past!
Created in 1984, the Sanctuary is home or highway to literally millions of migratory and resident birds: herons, ospreys, kites, hawks, vultures, kingfishers, egrets, swallows, ducks, jacanas, lemkins and a host of other species.…

Today, Charlotte Vick & Sadie Waddington, of the Deep Search Foundation Outreach team,  joining ocean activists across the country in a visible demonstration of support for a strong National Ocean Policy.

Rallies and Wear Blue for Oceans events where held in 11 U.S. cities. In San Francisco, Jackie Dragon, of Pacific Environment, and her team organized a spirited and colorful rally on the steps of City Hall complete with demonstrators dressed as turtles, a shark and a seal.  Blue marbles passed from hand to hand through the crowd as a gentle reminder to live like we love this blue ocean planet. Check out www.wearblueforoceans.org to see our blue action, coast to coast.

The highlights of the event were captured by David McGuire of Sea Stewards, on film.…