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Artist Courtney Mattison Brings Hope Spots into View

Posted on by Eric Valinsky

Photo: Deb Castellana

San Francisco, California
Inspired by Dr. Sylvia Earle and Mission Blue, artist, marine conservation biologist and ocean lover Courtney Mattison has created her own ecosystem of 18 Hope Spots, now on exhibit at the San Francisco University High School / Jackson Street Gallery in San Francisco, California. In doing so she hopes to bring the coral reef above the ocean waves where people can experience them, as well as educate and inspire others to take action to save our planet’s coral reef systems while there is still time.
Dr. Earle’s TED Prize wish in 2009 was, “I wish you would use all means at your disposal to ignite public support for a global network of marine protected areas, Hope Spots large enough to save and restore the ocean, the blue heart of the planet.”…

Major Update on Google Ocean’s Third Anniversary

Posted on by Eric Valinsky

Just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, Google Earth has done it again.  Last week, on the third anniversary of an explorable ocean seafloor,  Google released yet another upgrade. Take a tour in the video below to see what’s new – a massive update of data with new features you will have to see to believe!
The update to the global underwater terrain datasest, called bathymetry is from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, in partnership with NOAA, the US Navy, NGA, and GEBCO (with major contributions from IFREMER and IBCAO).…

Filmmakers Mike deGruy and Andrew Wight Lost in Helicopter Crash

Posted on by Eric Valinsky

NSW South CoastAustraliaTwo talented filmmakers and ocean advocates, Mike deGruy and Andrew Wight, have lost their lives in a helicopter crash in Australia.  Underwater cinematographer and story teller Mike deGruy had close ties to the Mission Blue family and spoke eloquently on behalf of the ocean during the first Mission Blue Voyage in 2010.  Mike will be remembered for his dedication to the ocean by those whose lives he touched through his films as well as by those who were lucky enough to know him personally.
With Mike, and piloting the craft was Australian writer-producer Andrew Wight. The helicopter crashed on takeoff near the NSW South Coast.  David Bennett, president of the South Coast Recreational Flying Club, said that the two men had left to film a documentary at Jervis Bay. …

Newsflash from Dr. Earle in the Hague, Netherlands

Posted on by Eric Valinsky

January 23, 2012

“This week I’ll be speaking about ocean issues to 3100 high school kids from 200 countries at the Hague, simulating UN procedures with real UN delegates participating.
Andrew Pudvah and Enric Sala arranged for me to give the keynote talk at the Hague today to schoolkids brought in by the THIMUN Foundation (The Hague International Model United Nations) to simulate UN proceedings, this year (their 44th) focusing on Oceans and Seas — 3100 kids, 200 countries, immensely inspirational.
International justice is a major topic at the Hague, and I thought it appropriate to make a pitch for justice for nature, especially the Blue.”
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Credit: Dr. Sylvia Earle

 Edited by Deb Castellana
 …

Expedition to Midway Reveals “A model for the world”

Posted on by By Deb Castellana / Mission Blue
Dr. Earle and Wisdom

By Deb Castellana
Searching for “Wisdom” may seem like an odd name for Dr. Earle’s recent expedition to Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge within the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, but actually, “Wisdom” is the name of the oldest known Laysan albatross, and it was one of the team’s goals to meet her. This grand dame is at least 60 years old and is still nesting on Midway Atoll. And yes, the expedition team found her (see photo at right.) Like Dr. Earle, “Wisdom” has witnessed profound changes in her years surveying our ocean planet.  Since she was hatched  (and coincidentally since Dr. Earle first began to scuba dive) in the early 1950’s, the ocean has changed in fundamental ways. From plastic pollution and marine debris to ocean acidification and dwindling food supplies from overfishing, Dr.…