Knowledge is power! Marine Mondays, through Menagerie Studio's blog, seeks to educate and suggest concrete action steps so that we can all do a little(or a lot) to help support our planet's oceans.
Today I would like to introduce you to Mission Blue
One of my heroes is Sylvia Earle; oceanographer, scientist, pioneer, and the woman who started Mission Blue, a non-profit organization with a brilliant idea. Here is their mission statement:
"Mission Blue inspires action to explore and protect the ocean. As of Dec 2016, 5.1% of the global ocean was covered by marine protected areas. From the seamounts of the high seas to the shallow sunlit reefs, Mission Blue seeks to bring about a significant increase in ocean protection to 30% by the year 2030."
In other words, Mission Blue works to create "Hope Spots", which act like protected national parks on the land (think: California's Redwood Forest or Yellowstone National Park in the ocean!) These Hope Spots are places chosen in the ocean which have:
- A special abundance or diversity of species, unusual or representative species, habitats or ecosystems
- Particular populations of rare, threatened or endemic species
- A site with potential to reverse damage from negative human impacts
- The presence of natural processes such as major migration corridors or spawning grounds
- Significant historical, cultural or spiritual values
- Particular economic importance to the community
This week's ACTION STEPS
1. To learn more about Hope Spots, Mission Blue's mission, and what you can do to help, visit their website at https://www.mission-blue.org/act-now/ . Donating money is good, but just learning about what this organization is doing is excellent, too.
2. Watch Mission Blue's documentary! It is streaming on Netflix. Check out the trailer here: https://www.mission-blue.org/the-film/
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