Mission Blue, the conservation organization founded by renowned oceanographer Sylvia Earle, has created a network of Hope Spots -- places that have been scientifically identified as critical to the health of the ocean, due to their biodiversity, the presence of rare species or other ecological factors. So far, there are 146 Hope Spots across the world, including the Florida Gulf Coast, where Earle grew up.
Courtesy Blue-Green Connections, photographer Ray Bouchard
The Hope Spot initiative supports local conservationists to protect, research and raise awareness of the area, so that policymakers feel under pressure to enforce protection if none exists already. Off the coast of Panama and Colombia lies the Coiba and Cordillera de Coiba Hope Spot, which encompasses two marine protected areas. The area's underwater mountain ranges make it a busy corridor for migrating marine species and it is teeming with biodiversity, such as the bright seastars pictured here.
Courtesy Kevin Mantell
The Galápagos Islands, famous for their wealth of unique plants and animals (such as the blue footed booby pictured), are also a Hope Spot, and local champions have been campaigning for greater protection of the area. This year, Ecuador extended the marine protected area around the Galápagos Archipelago by 60,000 square kilometers (23,166 square miles).
Courtesy Alex Hearn, USFQ
The Ross Sea, located in Antarctica's Southern Ocean, is a pristine marine ecosystem and one of the most remote Hope Spots one the planet. It is full of wildlife, from blue whales to Adélie Penguins, which are photographed here crossing the sea ice in front of Mount Erebus. After sustained pressure from Mission Blue and its partners, the region was established as a marine protected area in 2017.
Kangaroo Island is Australia's third-largest island and has a vibrant marine ecosystem that attracts megafauna including the endangered Southern Right Whale. But human development is a threat. After a recent proposal to build a timber port, champions of the Kangaroo Island North Coast Hope Spot fought for greater protection, and the proposal was rejected.
Quentin Chester Photography
In 2022, Kahalu'u Bay on Hawaii's west coast was recognized as a Hope Spot for both its cultural and ecological treasures. Its clear, shallow waters are home to several endangered and threatened species such as Hawaiian monk seals and hawksbill turtles. It's also a critical habitat for hundreds of fish and invertebrate species, such as the lined butterflyfish pictured here.
Courtesy Bo Pardau
Another newly identified Hope Spot is the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park in the Philippines, which is also the country's largest marine protected area. Whales, dolphins and sea turtles are found in these waters among more than 360 identified species of coral.
Courtesy Yvette C LEE
In the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Portugal, the Azores archipelago is full of underwater volcanoes and coral gardens, frequently visited by whale sharks. The region was identified as a Hope Spot for its network of marine protected areas, and in 2022, the Portuguese government announced it would expand these to meet its commitment to protect 30% of its ocean by 2023.
