The Living Ocean

Series · 8 videos

Part of 30×30 campaign

Dive into delicate ecosystems from the most isolated corners of Antarctica to tropical reefs teeming with life.

Coral Reefs

In this episode of The Living Ocean series, we dive into the vibrant world of coral reefs. Discover the importance of these underwater ecosystems and the diverse array of marine life that call them home, and learn about the threats facing coral reefs today — and what we can do to protect them for future generations.

Video·4:54
Mobula Rays

Join us on an adventure to the crystal clear waters of Mexico and dive into the world of mobula rays. Witness their grace and beauty as they gracefully glide through the water, and learn about the unique behaviors and characteristics of these magnificent creatures. Discover the importance of conservation efforts to protect mobula rays and the vital role they play in maintaining a healthy ocean ecosystem.

Video·6:28
Eagle Rays

Get ready to explore the breathtaking waters of the Bahamas in the latest episode of The Living Ocean series, in the heart of the Bahamas. Join us as we delve into the world of Eagle Rays and watch these majestic creatures in their natural habitat as they swim, feed, and interact with one another. Learn about the unique behaviors and characteristics of these graceful animals, and discover the importance of conservation efforts to protect them.

Video·3:17
Great Hammerhead Sharks

Join us as we embark on a thrilling journey to the Bahamas, up close and personal with one of the ocean's most feared and misunderstood creatures. Witness the power and grace of great hammerheads (Sphyrna mokarran) and learn about their unique behaviors. In this episode, we'll explore the importance of conservation efforts to protect these magnificent species that play a vital role in maintaining a healthy ocean ecosystem.

Video·2:45
Sea Turtles

Join us for an in-depth look at one of the ocean's most beloved creatures in the latest episode of The Living Ocean series and on a journey to witness sea turtles in their natural environment as they hatch, swim, and migrate. Learn about the challenges facing sea turtles today, including plastic pollution and habitat destruction, and what we can do to protect these magnificent animals for future generations.

Video·6:08
Mangroves

Step into the world of mangroves in the latest episode of The Living Ocean series. Discover the importance of these unique coastal ecosystems and the diverse array of plant and animal life that call them home. Learn about the critical role mangroves play in protecting coastlines from erosion, providing habitat for endangered species, and supporting local communities.

Video·4:42
Sperm Whales

Dive into the depths of the ocean to discover one of the ocean's most massive and mysterious creatures in the latest episode of The Living Ocean series. See sperm whales as they communicate, hunt, and socialize in their natural environment. Learn about the challenges facing sperm whales today, including overfishing and pollution, and the importance of conservation efforts to protect them.

Video·3:49
UV Lights

Explore the underwater world in a whole new light in the last episode of The Living Ocean series. Take an illuminating voyage to uncover the amazing ways marine life uses ultraviolet! Learn about the different ways marine creatures — from corals to crustaceans — use UV light for communication, camouflage, and survival. See the underwater world in a new light as you witness the vibrant colors and patterns of an ultraviolet world, and consider the impact of UV pollution caused by human activity and its effect on marine life and ocean ecosystems.

Video·3:44

Learn more about this campaign

30×30

Join the Global Campaign to Protect 30% of the Ocean by 2030

Campaign
#Wildlife·Apr 4, 2023
Article·1 min read

What is a marine protected area?

John Meisner

With marine biodiversity in sharp decline, the future of the planet depends on us taking action to rebuild our ocean. There is no quick fix, but luckily the ocean has a powerful trick up its sleeve: when we protect and care for a specific area, we see that area and the surrounding environment recover at an astonishing rate. This is what marine protected areas are all about.

Image © Antonio Gravante

A marine protected area (MPA) is a designated area of the ocean placed under protection by a governing body.

Marine protection is the process of safeguarding ocean ecosystems and wildlife from human practices that negatively affect the environment. It includes creating protected areas where activities like fishing, drilling, and mining are either restricted or fully prohibited. There are different forms of marine protected areas, including marine reserves, marine parks, and marine sanctuaries.

Lewis Burnett / Ocean Image Bank

Three reasons why marine protected areas are essential

  1. Coastal and marine ecosystems provide a range of services that are vital to human well-being, such as food provision, local livelihoods, and climate regulation.

  2. Marine life plays a crucial role in maintaining the natural balance of ecosystems, which is in turn essential for the survival of all species.

  3. Marine protected areas support the sustainable development of fisheries, which provide food and livelihoods for millions of people worldwide.

Shawn Heinrichs

The actual level of protection varies depending on both government policy and unwanted, unauthorized traffic accessing the area. Full protection prohibits all access and extractive practices, while “light” protection permits significant human activities to still take place.

Another critical aspect of strong marine protection is the participation and involvement of Indigenous peoples, local communities, and artisanal fisheries. These communities have a deep understanding of their local ocean environment, along with traditional knowledge that can inform and support efforts to preserve and protect marine life. To be successful and meaningful, marine protected areas must prioritize equitable distribution and ensure that Indigenous peoples and local communities are stakeholders in the management of these areas.

To sum up, it is crucial that we continue to prioritize the implementation of marine areas under strong protection and pressure governments to enact better policies.

Do your bit today by signing our petition to tell world leaders to secure at least 30% of the ocean as strong marine protected areas by 2030.

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