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Exploring the Ocean’s Most Important Places

Expeditions explore Hope Spots®—extraordinary places critical to the health of the ocean, Earth’s blue heart—using science, documentation, and collaboration to reveal why these ecosystems matter and inspire action to protect them.

South East Pacific

Research Expedition to Paramount: The Forgotten Seamount

Expedition

Written by

Mission Blue

March 6, 2025

South East Pacific

The First Scientific Expedition to Panama’s Unexplored Cordillera de Coiba Hope Spot Sets Sail

Expedition

Marine Protected Areas

Written by

Mission Blue

April 25, 2022

Galápagos National Park Expedition

Expedition

Written by

Mission Blue

September 24, 2019

Malpelo Island Hope Spot® Expedition

Expedition

Written by

Mission Blue

August 8, 2019

Palau Hope Spot®

Expedition

Written by

Mission Blue

November 1, 2018

Svalbard Archipelago Hope Spot®

Expedition

Written by

Mission Blue

June 23, 2018

Why Expeditions Are Important

The ocean makes life on Earth possible. It generates most of the oxygen we breathe, regulates climate, feeds billions of people, and supports an extraordinary diversity of life.

Yet only a small fraction of the ocean currently receives strong protection. Mission Blue expeditions:

  • Document the beauty, biodiversity, and ecological importance of Hope Spots
  • Elevate the voices and leadership of local communities and scientists
  • Share powerful visual storytelling that inspires global awareness
  • Build partnerships that support lasting ocean protection

By revealing what is happening beneath the waves, our expeditions have transformed curiosity into commitment—and commitment into conservation.

A whale shark swims under the water next to a research vessel named Sharkwater.

No water, no life.

No blue, no green.

The ocean sustains every breath we take.

Together, we can accelerate protection, strengthen Hope Spots, and secure a thriving future for our blue planet. Be part of a global movement turning science into action and hope into lasting protection.

Get Involved

“People ask: Why should I care about the ocean? Because the ocean is the blue heart of the planet. We should take care of our heart. It’s what makes life possible for us.”

Dr. Sylvia Earle

Mission Blue CEO & Founder

© Felix Kunze
© Citizens of the Reef