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About Charting the Blue

Charting the Blue is Mission Blue’s global biodiversity mapping programme, supporting Hope Spot Champions with eDNA science, repeat sampling, data visualisation, and conservation-ready evidence.

This programme is being implemented through select Hope Spots, with each site designed around local conservation priorities and a shared global science framework.

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How Charting the Blue Works

Our programme combines standardised biodiversity monitoring, scientific analysis, and data visualisation to generate evidence that advances conservation, advocacy, and policy outcomes in Hope Spots around the world.

Mission Blue Science, scientific partners, and Hope Spot Champions define local conservation questions, sampling locations, and site priorities.

Local teams use standardised, non-invasive protocols, with training and guidance provided. Samples are processed to detect species presence, community composition, and biodiversity indicators.

Support provided:

  • Standardised sampling protocols and guidance
  • Laboratory processing and bioinformatic analysis
  • Scientific interpretation and synthesis

Findings are translated through Mission Blue Esri data platforms and accessible reporting tools.

Support provided:

  • Conservation and advocacy narrative support
  • Mapping and visualisation through Mission Blue Esri platforms
  • Programme coordination and reporting

Results support management decisions, advocacy, policy alignment, and the Hope Spot Wish–Act–Protect journey.

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© Reef Check Australia

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© Reef Check Australia

Trusted Science, Transparent Governance

Charting the Blue operates with clear agreements around data ownership, access, use, storage, quality control, publication, and recognition. Hope Spot Champions have access to findings from their sites, while contributing to broader scientific and policy processes.

Why this matters:

For Hope Spots

Generates credible, up-to-date biodiversity evidence to support protection and management.

For Champions

Provides practical science outputs that can strengthen advocacy, storytelling, and local decision-making.

For the Ocean

Builds comparable biodiversity datasets across regions and biomes, contributing to global ocean protection goals, including 30×30.

Designed For Local Leadership

No specialist molecular expertise is required. Sampling is designed to be practical, non-destructive, and feasible for local teams, with technical analysis managed centrally by Mission Blue and scientific partners.

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