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Overexploitation and climate change are dramatically reducing the ocean’s capacity to provide essential natural resources. Yet only 7% of the ocean is currently protected.  

To explore, document and protect our oceans, Enric Sala left academia to become a National Geographic Explorer and launch Pristine Seas. Combining exploration, research and stories, this programme encourages leaders to protect the natural ecosystems on which the oceans rely.  

Local actions for a global impact  

Since 2008, Pristine Seas has carried out 45 expeditions to over 30 places, published more than 170 peer-reviewed scientific articles and produced 22 documentaries. This has already had a huge impact. With support from partners and local communities, 29 vast marine reserves have been created covering over 6.8 million km2 — more than twice the size of India.  

Locally, these reserves enable a more sustainable approach to fishing, the continuity of cultures and traditional ways of life, new ecotourism opportunities, better coastal storm protection, greater food security and more secure livelihoods. At a global scale, they help to mitigate the impact of climate change by storing CO2 in the oceans and protecting biodiversity.  

In 2020, they began creating a Marine Protection Zone in Tristan da Cunha, which will be the largest in the Atlantic, at almost 700,000 square kilometers.  

In 2023, the project launched ‘The Global Expedition’, in which a team of scientists, filmmakers and policy experts will spend the next five years exploring the tropical Pacific aboard a customized research vessel. Their goal is to support communities in their efforts to protect the ocean. They continue to work on their current projects in locations all over the world. 

Pristine Seas is determined to see 30% of the world’s oceans protected by 2050. Would you like to help the team achieve this?