The Origin and Purpose of the Wish for Ocean Conservation
- A wish was made in 2009 to use all means available, such as films, expeditions, and the web, to ignite public support for a global network of marine protected areas, known as Hope Spots, to save and restore the ocean, which is the blue heart of the planet 10s.
- The reason for making this wish was due to the realization that the ocean is the life support system of the planet and needs to be treated with respect, as seen through a lifetime of diving and exploring the ocean 1m42s.
Exploration and Observation of the Ocean's Changing State
- Through the use of over 30 different kinds of submarines, it has been possible to explore places that most people will never see and witness the change that is currently taking place in the ocean 2m6s.
- The ocean is being trashed, not just through pollution, but also through the removal of wild creatures that maintain the Earth as a habitable planet, with industrial fishing being too efficient and the markets being too demanding 3m30s.
The Consequences of Industrial Exploitation on Ocean Life
- In the past, concerns were voiced about the state of the ocean, but they were dismissed, and now billions of dollars in subsidies have led to the dewilding of the ocean, with many wild animals being taken to markets globally 4m40s.
- The importance of ocean wildlife, including whales, squid, menhaden, tuna, shrimp, and sharks, has been realized, as they play a crucial role in the carbon cycle and the functioning of the living planet 6m10s.
Initiatives and Progress Since the Wish Was Made
- Since the wish was made in 2009, several initiatives have been launched, including the creation of Hope Spots on Google Earth, expeditions to the Galapagos Islands, and the production of films such as "Mission Blue" and "Sea of Hope" 8m20s.
- Further commitments have been made to protect the high seas, including the Sargasso Sea, and to create funds to help protect the Galapagos Islands and other areas, with the goal of protecting the ocean's blue heart 10m30s.
The Degradation of the Ocean Over Time and the Need for Protection
- The state of the ocean has changed significantly over the past 50 years, with many areas that were once pristine now being damaged, and it is essential to protect the remaining areas that are still in good condition 12m40s.
Hope and Restoration Efforts in the Ocean
- There is hope for restoring the damage inflicted on the ocean because people around the world are working to restore coral reefs, with Mission Blue champions in 29 Hope Spots growing and planting corals to help repair the damage 10s.
- The Nusa Penida Hope Spot is an example of a damaged reef that has been restored over time, and now looks significantly healthier, demonstrating the effectiveness of conservation efforts 10s.
Global Expansion and Impact of Hope Spots
- There are currently 169 Hope Spots in 116 countries, with people gathering data, sharing stories, and enlisting others to care for these areas, including the restoration of mangroves, seagrasses, and the monitoring of turtles, sharks, and rays 10s.
- In Chile, one of the first Hope Spots, conservation efforts have led to the protection of over half of the country's ocean area, and the population of Juan Fernández fur seals has increased from one to over 100,000 10s.
- The Shinnecock Bay Hope Spot, located near New York City, has been restored through the efforts of Doctor Ellen Pikitch and her colleagues, who have reintroduced clams to the area, leading to the growth of seagrasses and the return of various species 10s.
- In French Polynesia, the Tetiaroa Hope Spot has been protected through science-based tourism and conservation efforts, led by Richard and Mary Bailey, resulting in the restoration of sea turtle nests and the growth of the local turtle population 10s.
Partnerships and Technological Advancements in Conservation
- Mission Blue is partnering with organizations such as the Polynesian voyagers and the Tetiaroa Society to promote conservation and exploration of the ocean, including the development of a new class of submersibles to explore the twilight zone 10s.
- The Hope Spots are connected by ancient pathways, depicted on traditional maps, and are working together to create a global network of protected areas, with the goal of preserving the health of the ocean and the planet 10s.
- A three-year expedition is currently underway to connect people across the Pacific with ancient values of ocean care and respect, utilizing submarines to explore the ocean and its inhabitants 10s.
The Ocean as a Unique and Vital Ecosystem
- The ocean is home to most of life on Earth, with its unique conditions of low sunlight, cold temperatures, darkness, and high pressure, and the merger of new technology and ancient wisdom can help protect it 42s.
- The goal is to build a safety net of Hope Spots, which are large enough to understand and protect the ocean, and currently, 97 percent of the ocean is still open for exploitation, highlighting the need to scale up efforts 1m6s.
Data-Driven Understanding and Visualization of Ocean Challenges
- Hope Spots are being visualized with global data on temperature, chemistry, fishing pressure, wildlife migration routes, and land-based information to better understand the problems and develop solutions 1m30s.
Practical Actions and Ethical Responsibilities for Ocean Preservation
- Actions such as planting trees, corals, and clams can help, and it is essential to stop trashing the ocean, industrial fishing, and mining of the deep seas to preserve the security provided by the living deep ocean 2m6s.
- With greater knowledge than has ever existed before, humans have the choice to determine their future and find an enduring place within the natural living systems that sustain their existence 2m30s.
The Power of Hope and Collective Action
- Hope Spots are contributing to the effort, and individuals can also make a difference, as hope is contagious and an idea worth spreading 3m0s.
