Our Mission
Pristine Seas has helped create 31 of the largest marine protected areas, covering 6.9 million km² of ocean. These “national parks of the sea” restore marine life while boosting food security, growing economies and building climate resilience.
The ocean is the lung of our planet. Yet less than 3% of its waters are fully protected from damaging activities.
While threats to the ocean put its health at risk, marine protected areas offer hope — proving that when ecosystems have the space to recover, they can bounce back spectacularly.
Pristine Seas works alongside communities to unlock mysteries of the sea, tell stories of resilience, and designate marine reserves that thrive.
Read our 2025 Annual Report and 2024 Annual Report to learn more.
expeditions around the world
million square kilometers protected
scientific publications in peer-reviewed journals
marine reserves created with our help
Where We Work
Our team has studied and filmed the ocean from the Arctic to the tropical Pacific. Through our expeditions and scientific research, we have helped create 31 marine reserves that harbor ecosystems ranging from vibrant sponge gardens and humpback whale nurseries to underwater amber-colored kelp forests and deep sea hydrothermal vents.
The Global Expedition
In 2023 Pristine Seas launched a bold new conservation effort: The Global Expedition. Our team of scientists, policy experts, and filmmakers will spend the next five years exploring the tropical Pacific aboard the Argo, a 130-foot customized research vessel and filmmaking center, with the goal of supporting communities and governments in their efforts to protect the ocean. The Argo is our modern-day equivalent of Jacques Cousteau’s famous ship Calypso.
Field Notes
Explore firsthand updates from our team on expedition.
Updated April 27, 2026
From the "Twilight Zone" to Ancient Reefs, Pristine Seas’ 50th Expedition Studies Marshall Islands
Pristine Seas returns to the Marshall Islands to explore waters around seven atolls to understand the resilience of rare ecosystems.
Updated May 13, 2025
Solomons Islands: Pristine Seas Studied the Coral Triangle, the Epicenter of Marine Diversity
Pristine Seas conducted an expedition in the Solomon Islands and explored methods to protect parts of the Coral Triangle–the epicenter of marine diversity in the Pacific Ocean.
Updated October 21, 2024
Papua New Guinea: Pristine Seas Explored One of the Most Biodiverse Oceans on Earth
Pristine Seas conducted expedition in Papua New Guinea — one of the most unique marine environments on the planet — to support ocean conservation.
Updated April 10, 2024
Year Two of Pristine Seas: The Global Expedition Launched in Palau
Pristine Seas returned to Palau to conduct marine surveys, bringing with them Nat Geo Education team members for a special student outreach.
Featured Expeditions
A Closer Look
Our team has traveled across the ocean — from the poles to the tropics — to inspire the creation of marine protected areas. Take a closer look at ocean protection stories from around the world.
Publications
Scientific Research
Our scientists have collectively published more than 300 scientific publications in peer-reviewed journals like Nature, Science, PLOS One and more. Read more of our research.
Newsroom
Latest Stories
Explore the latest stories showcasing our ocean conservation efforts around the world.
Who We Are
Leveraging World-Class Expertise
Led by National Geographic Explorer in Residence Enric Sala, Pristine Seas is made up of scientists, conservationists, filmmakers and communication and policy experts working together to help protect the world’s ocean.
With Support From
FOUNDING SPONSOR
Blancpain
FUNDING PARTNERS
Beagle Charitable Foundation, Allison Bennington, Bezos Earth Fund, Bloomberg Philanthropies, The Campbell Foundation, Disney Conservation Fund, Don Quixote Foundation, The Heinz Family Foundation, Levy Foundation, LGT Venture Philanthropy, Lindblad Expeditions–National Geographic Fund, Look and See Foundation, Ann Luskey, Oracle, Philip Stephenson Foundation, Postcode Lottery Group, Rituals, Serventi Family Foundation, Tanka Foundation, Ted and Michele Waitt–TTMMC Fund, UBS Optimus Foundation, Walmart Foundation, an anonymous donor, and other individual donors.
PAST FUNDERS
Allison Bennington, Brook Foundation, Jean and Steve Case, Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation, DAVIDOFF Cool Water, Roger and Rosemary Enrico, Helmsley Charitable Trust, Google, David and Lucile Packard Foundation, Vicki and Roger Sant, and other individual donors.