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Ocean Revolution Mozambique | Photo Credit: The Blue Quest 

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Inhambane Bay Community Conservation Network [Blue Spark]

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Inhambane Bay Community Conservation Network [Blue Spark]

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Inhambane Bay Community Conservation Network (IBCCN), locally known as Sidika, is a small-scale network of 9 no-take Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) that protects critically important seagrass and mangrove habitats throughout Inhambane Bay, Mozambique. The coastal communities of Inhambane province in Mozambique are leading an effort to preserve and protect tthese habitats, which provide important nursery grounds for fish, support an incredible diversity of invertebrates and sea birds, sequester atmospheric carbon faster than any terrestrial ecosystem, and buffer coastlines from storms. Learn more about this Blue Spark here!

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Santuario de la Naturaleza Piedra del Viento Topocalma, Litueche, Chile

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Photo Credit: Farias Moreno (Fundación Rompientes)

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Fundación Rompientes is currently focused on the coast of the O'Higgins and El Maule Regions in central Chile, where increased demand for recreational activities and vacation homes has created multiple environmental problems. Fundación Rompientes aims to raise awareness about environmental impacts, encourage co-management of the coast with local fishing communities, and promote sustainable recreation on the coast. Learn more about this Blue Spark here!

2023 Blue Parks Impact Fund Grant: Thanks to generous donations to the Blue Park Impact Fund, the managers of this park were able to complete the design phase of a mobile classroom for environmental education and conservation.

Want to help us fund more on-the-water conservation work like this? Click here to donate to our Blue Parks Impact Fund.

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A coalition of organizations, citizens, and scientists is calling for expanded protections adjacent to the Galápagos Marine Reserve to protect open ocean and migratory species that travel beyond the reserve's boundaries. These species, some of which are endangered, are currently threatened by industrial fisheries that congregate near the Reserve's border. Expanded protections would create more of a buffer between marine life and fishing fleets, giving these species a better chance for survival. Learn more about this Blue Spark here!

2024 Blue Parks Impact Fund Grant: Thanks to generous donations to the Blue Parks Impact Fund, the managers of this park were able purchase laptops to support real-time surveillance operations. With these resources, staff will analyze and respond to data on suspicious activities, leading to more effective enforcement and protection of the marine ecosystem.

Want to help us fund more on-the-water conservation work like this? Click here to donate to our Blue Parks Impact Fund.

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Fur Seal Galapagos - Photo by Alex Hearn

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Parque Nacional Jardines de la Reina [Blue Park]

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Parque Nacional Jardines de la Reina [Blue Park]

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Known as "Cuba's Coral Garden", Jardines de la Reina preserves more than 30 species of coral in an archipelago spanning over 600 cays, supporting an increase in biodiversity of up to 50% since its establishment in 1996 and leading to the improved livelihoods of local fishing communities benefiting from larger, healthier fish in adjacent areas; highlighting the economic and ecological benefits of protected areas. Learn more about this Blue Park here!

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Parque Nacional Natural McBean Lagoon, Providencia and Santa Catalina Islands, San Andres and Providencia, Colombia

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Mangrove trash cleanup | Photo Credit: El Parque Nacional Natural Old Providence McBean Lagoon 

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El Parque Nacional Natural Old Providence McBean Lagoon [Blue Park]

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El Parque Nacional Natural Old Providence McBean Lagoon [Blue Park]

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Located on the coast of Providencia Island, Old Providence McBean Lagoon National Park protects part of the second largest barrier reef in the Caribbean and was established in response to grassroots protests by the local indigenous population, the Raizales of the islands San Andres, Providencia, and Santa Catalina, with approximately 90% of the park staff coming from this community today. Learn more about this Blue Park here!

2023 Blue Park Impact Fund Grant: Thanks to generous donations to the Blue Park Impact Fund, the managers of this park were able to establish a long-term garbage collection program with the local community in the mangrove ecosystem of the Park. As a result of this effort, they collected a total of 418 kg of waste!

Want to help us fund more on-the-water conservation work like this? Click here to donate to our Blue Parks Impact Fund.

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Refúgio de Vida Silvestre do Arquipélago de Alcatrazes, Brazil

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Refúgio de Vida Silvestre do Arquipélago de Alcatrazes e Estaçao Ecológica Tupinambás [Blue Park]

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Refúgio de Vida Silvestre do Arquipélago de Alcatrazes e Estaçao Ecológica Tupinambás [Blue Park]

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Just 40 kilometers off the coast of Sao Paulo sits the second largest fully protected MPA (Marine Protected Area) in Brazil. This MPA is composed of tropical, shallow water, and coral reef environments that act as breeding and nursery grounds for highly threatened species of rays, sharks, and groupers, while also providing refuge as the main location for the replenishment of fish stocks in the whole state. Learn more about this Blue Park here!

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Refúgio de Vida Silvestre do Arquipélago de Alcatrazes e Estação Ecológica Tupinambás - Leo Francini (132)

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Reserva Natural das Ilhas Selvagens, Portugal

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The Selvagen Islands harbor, one of the last intact marine ecosystems in the North Atlantic, harbors numerous IUCN red-listed species, including whitefaced storm petrels, fin whales, loggerhead sea turtles, and sperm whales, while also playing a fundamental role in the larval dispersal of species from many geographical regions for colonization in new areas due to surrounding waters influenced by the superficial currents of the North Atlantic. Learn more about this Blue Park here!

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Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument [Blue Park]

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Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument [Blue Park]

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Encompassing the ten small islands and atolls that make up the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, Papahānaumokuākea protects over 7,000 species of marine animals in one of the most remote places in U.S. waters, with shallow coral reefs and steep seamounts providing critical, near-pristine habitats for species that could otherwise be facing extinction. Learn more about this Blue Park here!

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Cape Rodney-Okakari Point Marine Reserve [Blue Park]

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Cape Rodney-Okakari Point Marine Reserve [Blue Park]

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The Cape Rodney-Okakari Point Marine Reserve encompasses diverse habitats, including rocky coastline, sponge gardens, and deep reefs. Located only 800 meters from Te Hawere-a-Maki, this Marine Protected Area implements a management strategy focused on "working to support iwi (Maori tribes) to achieve their aspirations in relation to these places and to implement settlements." Learn more about this Blue Park here!

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Oulactis magna - Pakiri [Richard Taylor]

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Parque Nacional Revillagigedo [Blue Park]

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Parque Nacional Revillagigedo [Blue Park]

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Located at the convergence of strong oceanic currents at the boundary of the Mexican Pacific Transition and Southern California Pacific, Revillagigedo National Park is primed to support a highly productive environment with a diverse underwater landscape ranging from towering shield volcanoes to shallow coral reefs, deep-sea hydrothermal vents, and seamounts. Every available space provides refuge for a range of life, including sharks, giant manta rays, turtles, cetaceans, and numerous other fish species. Learn more about this Blue Park here!

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Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park, Kenya

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Coconut Crab | Credit: Kisite-Mpunguti Marine Park and Reserve

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Kisite-Mpunguti Marine Park and Reserve [Blue Park]

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Kisite-Mpunguti Marine Park and Reserve [Blue Park]

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As Kenya's largest marine protected area (MPA) and an impressive example of comprehensive management efforts, Kisite-Mpunguti Marine Park and Reserve is home to some of the most diverse and plentiful marine life seen in the region including fishes, dolphins, corals, mangroves, sea turtles, whales, seabirds, and endemic species such as the coconut crab. Learn more about this Blue Park here!

2023 Blue Park Impact Fund Grant: Thanks to generous donations to the Blue Park Impact Fund, the managers of this park were able to install mooring buoys within the MPA to aid tour operators, conduct a two-day training on sustainable tourism, plant trees for World Environment Day, perform a beach cleanup, fund monthly joint patrols, and maintain some of their patrol boats. Through these activities, they aimed to enhance community involvement, promote sustainable fishing practices, and increase levels of positive community perception.

Want to help us fund more on-the-water conservation work like this? Click here to donate to our Blue Parks Impact Fund.

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Siete Pecados, Coron, Palawan, Philippines

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Siete Pecados Marine Park, part of the Calamianes Island MPA network in the Philippines, is home to several threatened and endangered species such as hawksbill sea turtles, dugongs, and humphead wrasse. This Blue Park was established to protect its coral reefs, mangrove forests, and seagrass meadows from the impacts of overfishing with recommendations from community members of the Barangay Tagumpay village. Learn more about this Blue Park here!

2024 Blue Park Impact Fund Grant: Thanks to generous donations to the Blue Park Impact Fund, the managers of this park are constructing a strategically placed lifeguard tower, providing staff with an aerial view of the marine park. The tower improves park enforcement and visitor safety monitoring.

Want to help us fund more on-the-water conservation work like this? Click here to donate to our Blue Parks Impact Fund.

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Photo Credit - Mayor Marjo T. Reyes office 3

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Found the pot at the end of the rainbow!

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My love for the ocean started in Carolina, Puerto Rico where my family and I are from. Home to jellies, dolphins, manatees, sharks, rays, and countless gorgeous fish... it's home away from home! Apt that it's at the end of the rainbow too!

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Jangamo Bay - Marine Conservation Hope Spot, Jangamo, Mozambique

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Before coming to Mozambique, my love for the ocean was limited by the comfort of the waves and the salty breeze I grew up with. Of course I knew there was more that I couldn't see, life to protect and advocate for.

Once I (literally) dived deeper though, I found an endless world of color and beauty living in harmony. To see first-hand the power of nature and conservation was life-changing to say the least. It reminded me just how important MPAs are, and how integral they are in the maintenance of thriving ecosystems like this beautiful reef!

This is a brief snippet of one of the transect dives I did with Love The Oceans (a non-profit working to establish Jangamo Bay as an EPA)!

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A video from my favorite walk on the rocks at Ocean Point. 

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I first fell in love with the ocean while scrambling along the rocks in Ocean Point, Maine. It was here that I took my first steps into the (freezing cold) ocean water, peered down at periwinkles and crabs in tide pools, and watched the waves crash into the rocks, mesmerized.

To this day, visiting this special place every year with my family reminds me of why I wanted to work to protect the ocean in the first place. I feel incredibly fortunate to have experienced this love so early in life. 💙

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Dove into the icy waters of Bartolome Islands in the Galapagos and was greeted by wild penguins! On land, penguins are adorably dorky, but in the water, they transform into sleek, elegant torpedoes. Swimming with wild animals reminds me of the profound interconnectedness of life—how, beneath the surface of our differences, there is a shared rhythm, a silent harmony that binds us to the living world.

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This is the local ocean spot I go with my family and friends to rest and re-energize.

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Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park [Blue Park]

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Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park [Blue Park]

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Established by the Commonwealth of The Bahamas in 1958, the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park protects healthy mangrove forests, seagrass meadows, and diverse coral reefs and serves as critical habitat for hawksbill turtle, Nassau grouper, the Caribbean spiny lobster, queen conch, and many species of nesting seabirds. Learn more about this Blue Park here!

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Misool Island, Gamta, Raja Ampat Regency, West Papua, Indonesia

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The Misool Marine Reserve, protecting complex coral reef systems and deep water areas in Raja Ampat, Indonesia, is home to several endemic species and was found to have some of the highest concentrations of reef fish biomass thanks to the establishment of no-take zones and local community partnerships. Learn more about this Blue Park here!

2023 Blue Park Impact Fund Grant: Thanks to generous donations to the Blue Park Impact Fund, the managers of this reserve implemented a pilot project testing a "Tourist Management System" aimed at limiting visitor numbers to sustainable levels and preserving the Marine Reserve's rich coral reef ecosystems. They updated their radio system and renovated their ranger station.

2024 Blue Park Impact Fund Grant: This current grant supports community-based reef restoration, which educates and empowers local communities to restore and manage coral reefs. These reefs are vital breeding, nursery, and feeding grounds in one of the world's biodiversity hotspots.

Want to help us fund more on-the-water conservation work like this? Click here to donate to our Blue Parks Impact Fund.

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I've always been drawn to sea turtles and seeing them in the Maldives was a dream come true, especially in healthy coral reefs. The ocean is a magical place.

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Channel Islands National Park, California, USA

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Channel Islands National Park, California, USA

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Channel Islands National Park, California, USA

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Growing up in Ventura, California, it was always a treat seeing the islands peak out of the sea on a clear day. This place is so special to me because it is where I discovered bioluminescence on a 4th grade outdoor-ed trip with my school. Miles away from any light pollution, we waded out into the dark water and turned off our flash lights. When I saw neon-green bubbles appear before my goggles, I started realizing how wonderous and magical the ocean is, and my facination continues to this day!

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I got to spend a month in Port A during college to take classes focused on the oceans. It made me realize how much we don't know about the oceans, while pushing me to learn more about them.

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This is where I got my first scuba diving certification!

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My husband and I visited Corfu during our "second honeymoon" (COVID wedding!), and it had some of the most beautiful views I've ever seen!

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Loggerhead sea turtle hatchlings finding their way to the water

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I grew up vacationing on Longboat Key with my family every year, and those memories are some of my very favorite. Spending summers on the beach grew my love for the ocean and inspired my goal to work in marine conservation. During college, I got my first ocean internship (which eventually became my first ocean job!) at a marine lab in Sarasota working in sea turtle conservation and research.

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My son's first trip to the beach at 9 months old! The water is calm and warm, so it's a great spot for little ones. He loved splashing around!

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Each summer I head to SE Alaska to share this beautiful place with guests on small cruise ships. One of my all-time favorite views is westbound in Icy Strait approaching the entrance of Glacier Bay National Park. On a clear day you get the best view of the Fairweather mountain range and at dusk and dawn the gorgeous colors washed across them. It truly never fails to make me stop and be thankful for the ocean.

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Ocean with distant mountain range in SE Alaska.

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The beach I grew up on and spent all my summers learning to snorkel and sail was Popponesset Beach on Cape Cod. Our family's summer home is a gathering place for us all to this day. Hot summer days spent digging in the sand, rolling in the waves and having periwinkle snail races up the sides of buckets led to a lifetime love of the ocean.

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I lived on Maui after college and spent endless hours out on the water watching humpback whales. Initially I thought I needed to see lots of whales to "get over" the excitement I had every time I saw a whale. But all these years later, I still get a thrill every time I see a whale and I've decided it's a feature, not a bug. I know I'll never not feel thankful to have a whale share a small glimpse into its life! (also, I miss Lahaina ❤️)

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Two people watching whales tail slap off Lahaina, Maui.

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New England Aquarium research vessel in the Bay of Fundy.

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I spent many years as a member of the New England Aquarium right whale research team. Every summer we'd move up to downeast Maine to run our summer research season. In this picture I'm standing in front of the radar in the blue shirt (third from the right) drawing each individual whale in the group to help us photo-identify them. The two people on the bow are taking pictures. I used to know about 75% of the North Atlantic population by sight using their distinctive callosity patterns and scars to identify them. This population remains critically endangered and no longer frequents the Bay of Fundy feeding grounds due to climate change and prey shift. But I treasure my years working in the Bay of Fundy.

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Small research boat with whales off the bow.

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Pangatalan Island Marine Protected Area, Pangatalan Island, Taytay, Palawan, Philippines

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Shark Fin Bay Marine Protected Area (MPA) Network [Blue Spark]

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Shark Fin Bay Marine Protected Area (MPA) Network [Blue Spark]

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Shark Fin Bay is home to rich tropical coral reefs, seagrass meadows, and mangrove forests that were degraded in the past by destructive and unsustainable fishing practices. The local communities, who rely on these ecosystems for their subsistence and livelihoods, have created a network of MPAs to revitalize them. The Shark Fin Bay MPA Network includes four multi-use MPAs, covering 7.6 km². This year, Shark Fin Bay is nominated for a Blue Park Award! Learn more about the nominees here.

2024 Blue Park Impact Fund Grant: Thanks to generous donations to the Blue Park Impact Fund, the Sulubaaï Environmental Foundation is implementing a community-based aquaculture project to support food security and alternative livelihoods for local fishers. The project aims to provide economic stability while raising awareness of sustainable practices and ecosystem protection.

Want to help us fund more on-the-water conservation work like this? Click here to donate to our Blue Parks Impact Fund.

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Bantaidagat-5   (Photo by Sulubaaï Foundation)

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The Oracabessa Marine Trust is home to magical marine life and an amazing community. While in Jamacia, you can find a plethora of marine life that will take your breath away. On top of the marine life, you can find a local fishing community that thrives on the local ecosystem and shows the love they have for it every day. In my experience, I swam with squids, pufferfish, and eagle rays. The waters are full of corals and ocean plant life to accompany the stunning array of life. Experiencing the underwater oasis was a life-changing experience that shifted my perspective on how diverse and important these ecosystems are.

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Fort Clinch State Park, Atlantic Avenue, Fernandina Beach, FL

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Fort Clinch State Park, Atlantic Avenue, Fernandina Beach, FL

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Fort Clinch State Park, Atlantic Avenue, Fernandina Beach, FL

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Sitting on the northernmost tip of Amelia Island, Fort Clinch State Park has sat keeping a watchful eye over the St. Mary river for almost two hundred years. When I first moved to Amelia Island, I was drawn to Fort Clinch for my love of history, but was entranced by the natural beauty of the park and its waterfront. My family and I took many walks along the battlements at sunset, always spying a playful dolphin or a peaceful manatee lounging in the surf. The beach still has a wild and natural feel, a major improvement to the major development on most Florida beaches.

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Clear turquoise waters, endless seagrass meadows and beautiful underwater caves, this is where my passion for the ocean began. A small island in the middle of the Mediterranean, Menorca, has incredible marine habitats and wildlife. I learned to swim here and later on how to dive, now I work as a divemaster in the summer months showing others the wonders it has to offer.

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My first close encounter with bull sharks. In the last dive we were also lucky enough to have a chance encounter with a whale shark, who was just swimming by.

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First encounter with Oceanic manta rays (Mobula birostris). Incredible experience seeing them floating through the blue!

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This beach is where I received my SCUBA certification and found a new appreciation for the underwater world. There is nothing more magical than diving in a kelp forest!

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Big Branch Recreation Area (WSSC Water), Triadelphia Mill Road, Dayton, MD

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Big Branch Recreation Area (WSSC Water), Triadelphia Mill Road, Dayton, MD

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Big Branch Recreation Area (WSSC Water), Triadelphia Mill Road, Dayton, MD

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When I was a young kid, my dad used to take me fishing here. Now as an adult, I continue to go here and fish by myself, and it made me appreciate the calmness that nature allows us to live in.

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I grew up spending summers on Cape Cod as a kid, and those trips brought me so much joy. I’d spend my days catching hermit crabs, digging for clams, and picking periwinkles off the big rocks in the water. Those memories are precious to me—which is why it’s so important that these waters and beaches remain safe, not just for the wildlife but for us, too. The Earth gives us everything we need to thrive, and protecting it means ensuring that future generations can experience the same happiness I did.

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My dad and I would always go to the beach with our families at Fenwick, DE and Ocean City, MD. I had no idea the catalyst for how much love for the ocean this would have on me. 22 years later and 4 years without my father later and I still return to the Chesapeake, to remember to love nature as much as my dad did. This place is so special from the bay to the ocean side, I have so many fond memories of playing by the water here.

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Picnics with my family and magical landscapes to explore

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I had never seen anything more beautiful and calming in my life. My love for the water started in Lake Michigan at Warren Dunes in Michigan. My friends and I would go there from Illinois during the summer. I took vacation to California in the late 70s and fell in love!

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Surrounded by orcas and gray whales, salmon and giant octopus, dungeness crab, sand lances and herring, there’s no place like home.

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so beautiful <3

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This is were we took our granddaughter from the age of five to the age of 23. She learn to love the ocean very young

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I love the beach here and have such great memories ❤️

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Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge, North Carolina Highway 12, Rodanthe, NC

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Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge, North Carolina Highway 12, Rodanthe, NC

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Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge, North Carolina Highway 12, Rodanthe, NC

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Absolutely stunning area, it’s my favorite lake

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So many great memories as a kid growing up on Cape Cod. Woodneck beach had it all! Buzzard’s Bay on the beach side connected to the marshes in the back connected by a swimmable tidal rive. And my little brothers dug for mussels in the sand for dinner too. Many perfect days!

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Tayrona National Park, Magdalena, Colombia

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Tayrona National Park, Magdalena, Colombia

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Tayrona National Park, Magdalena, Colombia

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Retuning to my home country of Colombia I loved experiencing the flora and fauna at this stunning park!

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The wild seas of the Scottish west coast are an incredible place for diving and snorkeling!

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שמורת ים ראש הנקרה

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שמורת ים ראש הנקרה

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שמורת ים ראש הנקרה

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Slowly but surly, we are trying to enter a process of meeting the Blue Parks high standards of excellence for MPA. The geopolitical complexity is an extreme challenge but we persevere.

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שמורת ים ראש הנקרה

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Channel Islands National Park, California

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Channel Islands National Park, California

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Channel Islands National Park, California

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my wife and i fell in love here and got engaged after 10 years 💞

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Corson's Inlet State Park, County Highway 619, Ocean City, NJ

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Corson's Inlet State Park, County Highway 619, Ocean City, NJ

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Corson's Inlet State Park, County Highway 619, Ocean City, NJ

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My FAVORITE playground and outdoor, watery gym. GREAT for SUP (know your limits tho & respect the current)

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Got to take a "study-away" course here for my undergrad. It was a breathtaking experience with friends I hold dear. The vibrant coral reefs in particular made this an experience to remember.

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Visited this beautiful lagoon diving in the clearest blue water with reef sharks and spotted eagle rays.

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Cordell Bank is a rocky feature on the seafloor about 20 miles west of Bodega Bay. It was recognized for its amazing abundance and diversity of life and included in the National Marine Sanctuary System. 

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I have had the great opportunity to be able to expose this hidden treasure to thousands, (maybe millions?!) of people through my career with NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries. Its magical! Its diverse, wild, and many species thrive there and have special relationships living together. You can visit it too virtually! https://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/vr/cordell-bank/adventure/ (even better in a VR headset!) I hope the global ocean love takes care of all these beautiful places!

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colorful pink, white, orange, yellow invertebrate life with fish above

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Amazing dive around 25m depth, so much wildlife and corals!

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Cherish the blue. Protect our seas. Love the ocean.

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I fell in love with the sea at four years old in Otter Crest 🦦 I moved from a land locked state to Seattle and study animal science so I can do my part to advocate for marine conservation

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The reefs and mangroves of Bocas del Toro and its surrounding islands are incredible, many of them still thriving with healthy coral and reef fish. I was lucky enough to live on Isla Colon for two months as part of my master's in marine biology, and conducted coral health surveys to contribute to a long-term dataset here. I can't wait to come back, and I hope it remains just as beautiful as the first time I saw it!

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Kaštela Bay – Where the Sea Holds Stories

This bay is more than water – it’s a living memory. Beneath the waves, seagrass meadows sway, seagulls trace the paths of fishermen, and every tide carries a story. Kaštela Bay taught me to truly listen to the sea – to its beauty, its wounds, and its quiet strength. It may not be pristine, but it’s alive, honest, and deeply worth protecting.

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Ningaloo Marine Park (Commonwealth waters), Western Australia, Australia

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Ningaloo Marine Park (Commonwealth waters), Western Australia, Australia

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Ningaloo Marine Park (Commonwealth waters), Western Australia, Australia

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One of the largest fringing reefs , home to hundreds of fish and coral species and has the most beautiful crystal clear waters!

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Ningaloo Marine Park (Commonwealth waters), Western Australia, Australia

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Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary

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Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary

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Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary

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The flower gardens are a magical place in the Gulf of Mexico to see an ecosystem unlike any other

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Kingman Reef & Palmyra Atoll Marine National Monument

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Kingman Reef & Palmyra Atoll Marine National Monument

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Kingman Reef & Palmyra Atoll Marine National Monument

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Clam City, Kingman Reef - one of my favorite places dive and float above the jeweled reef.

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It brings we wonder, keeps me grounded, and reminds me of what matters.

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I protect it as it has protected me

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Growing up I spent many summers on Gotland, Swedens largest island. It has a beautiful nature unlike anything else in the country, as well as a lot of history. But it’s probably most known for the naturally sculpted limestone formations along the coast, or “raukar” as we call them in Swedish.

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Key Biscayne Beach in Florida has held a special place in my heart for several years. It’s where I’ve encountered unique wildlife and deepened my connection to the water—a place that has nurtured both my personal and professional growth. Whether studying, journaling, or simply taking time to relax, the beach has been a constant source of inspiration and peace. It’s also where I had the opportunity to intern with Friends of Toki, contributing to meaningful marine conservation efforts, and where I earned my master’s degree at the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School, studying just steps from the shoreline.

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Shoreham by Sea, Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex

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Shoreham Beach Local Nature Reserve West Sussex UK

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Shoreham by Sea, Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex

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Shoreham by Sea, Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex

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Shoreham Beach local nature reserve is located on a dynamic shingle spit formed over several hundred years due to longshore drift and river processes. The reserve was designated due to the rare vegetated shingle coastal fringe habitat - over 90 species of plant and supporting a diverse biodiversity of birds and invertebrates. There is also a fascinating inter tidal habitat. A special place for me as I worked on the management group, deliver the education programme and spent much of my childhood on this beach too.

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Reef Conservation International (ReefCI), Caribbean Sea, Placencia, Belize

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Reef Conservation International (ReefCI), Caribbean Sea, Placencia, Belize

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Reef Conservation International (ReefCI), Caribbean Sea, Placencia, Belize

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Tom Owens Caye where we hunt voracious invasive Lionfish with ReefCI to help protect the native fish.

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Sea Explorers Dauin, Washington, Dauin, Negros Oriental, Philippinen

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Sea Explorers Dauin, Washington, Dauin, Negros Oriental, Philippinen

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Sea Explorers Dauin, Washington, Dauin, Negros Oriental, Philippinen

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Sea Explorers Malapascua, Malapascua Island, Daanbantayan, Provinz Cebu, Philippinen

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Sea Explorers Malapascua, Malapascua Island, Daanbantayan, Provinz Cebu, Philippinen

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Sea Explorers Malapascua, Malapascua Island, Daanbantayan, Provinz Cebu, Philippinen

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I got scuba certified in the Red Sea in Egypt and it was one of my best decisions. Now I get to see the underwater world up close and I want to explore more places!

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This has to be one of the most serene and majestic places in the world. Ocean, Beach, Waterfall, Redwoods, Remoteness, and Peace.

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North Beach At Fort DeSoto Park, St. Petersburg, FL

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North Beach At Fort DeSoto Park, St. Petersburg, FL

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North Beach At Fort DeSoto Park, St. Petersburg, FL

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My boyfriend's late mother's favorite beach. Holds lots of childhood memories for him.

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Assateague Island, Assateague Island National Seashore

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Assateague Island, Assateague Island National Seashore

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Assateague Island, Assateague Island National Seashore

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As a child, first place I ever saw a natural beach. Instant love.

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We really starting exploring the Chesapeake Bay last year. Perfect little area with some great state park beaches.

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This is where I always go for walks and paddleboarding to see the tidepool critters and seals and seabirds.

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Salary was where I did my first marine research project. It was the first time I spoke with fishers and realized how much we had in common because of our connection to the ocean, despite having totally different backgrounds.

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En este lugar conocí a mi novio :) trabajamos juntos en un proyecto de restauración de corales y en mi primer día él me llevó a este sitio para mostrarme el protocolo de monitoreo y sacamos daños antropogenicos. El siempre me inspira a cuidar mejor el mar y pensar en este lugar me recuerda que juntos podemos mejorar el mundo

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Playa Escalera - Reserva Marina Tres Palmas, Rincón

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Playa Escalera - Reserva Marina Tres Palmas, Rincón

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Playa Escalera - Reserva Marina Tres Palmas, Rincón

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Tres Palmas Marine Reserve in Rincón, Puerto Rico, is a hidden gem where vibrant coral reefs and playful sea turtles create an underwater paradise. Known for its endangered elkhorn corals and clear Caribbean waters, it has long been a protected haven for marine life and a favorite spot for snorkelers. However, in recent years, the reserve has experienced alarming ecological deterioration. A global coral bleaching event that began in 2023 has impacted the area severely, with elevated ocean temperatures leading to widespread coral bleaching and mortality. Additionally, an outbreak of Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease (SCTLD) and increased coastal development have further stressed the reef. Pollution from overwhelmed sewage infrastructure has introduced harmful bacteria and nutrients into the water, threatening coral health and water quality. Despite these challenges, the community continues to rally around Tres Palmas, determined to protect this precious ecosystem.

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The hike to Survival Beach in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, is a scenic and moderately challenging trail that begins near Surfer’s Beach and winds through a coastal forest filled with rugged terrain, tree roots, and rocky outcrops. Spanning about 1.1 miles one way, the trail offers sweeping ocean views, access to secluded spots like Table Top Beach, and culminates at a dramatic shoreline framed by massive rock formations and cliffs. Known for its raw natural beauty and relative seclusion, Survival Beach is ideal for adventurous hikers seeking a peaceful escape, though swimming is discouraged due to strong currents.

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Leo Carrillo State Park, California, USA

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Leo Carrillo State Park, California, USA

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My love for the ocean began when I was 11 years old and living in Southern California at the time. One Saturday afternoon in 2014, my mom and I were spending the day at Leo Carrillo State Park when we spotted a mother-calf pair of gray whales from the beach. This pin marks the overlook we drove to as we watched the whales migrating from above. Over a decade later, my love for whales has never waned, and I'm studying to be an ocean journalist. Thank you to Marine Conservation Institute for an amazing internship experience last year!

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This place is where I learned how MMAs truly create abundance! Now its a place I always share with my loved ones, whether were diving through swim holes or watching sea turtles graze algae off the reef.