Pristine Seas
Since 2008, Pristine Seas has helped create 31 of the world’s largest marine protected areas, covering 6.9 million km² of ocean. These “national parks of the sea” restore marine life while increasing food security, strengthening economies, and building climate resilience.
Inspiring some of the largest marine reserves in the world.
Without the ocean, life on Earth would be impossible. It provides food, supports livelihoods, and regulates the climate. Yet today, the ocean is under threat — with only 10% of it somehow protected and less than 3% fully protected from damaging activities.
While overfishing, global warming and pollution put the ocean’s health at risk, there is hope in marine protected areas (MPAs). Science shows that when ecosystems have the space to recover, they can bounce back spectacularly.
Pristine Seas works alongside local communities, Indigenous peoples, governments and other organizations to safeguard our ocean through the creation of marine reserves. Using cutting-edge scientific research and the power of storytelling, we are unlocking mysteries of the sea and celebrating communities who have been protecting it for generations.
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.
From the "Twilight Zone" to Ancient Reefs, Pristine Seas’ 50th Expedition Studies the Marshall Islands
Pristine Seas returns to the Marshall Islands to explore waters around seven atolls to understand the resilience of rare ecosystems.
Solomons Islands: Pristine Seas Studies the Coral Triangle, the Epicenter of Marine Diversity
Pristine Seas conducts an expedition in the Solomon Islands and explores methods to protect parts of the Coral Triangle–the epicenter of marine diversity in the Pacific Ocean.
Papua New Guinea: Pristine Seas Explores One of the Most Biodiverse Oceans on Earth
Pristine Seas conducts expedition in Papua New Guinea — one of the most unique marine environments on the planet — to support ocean conservation.
Year Two of Pristine Seas: The Global Expedition Launches in Palau
Pristine Seas returns to Palau to conduct marine surveys, bringing with them Nat Geo Education team members for a special student outreach.
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 some ocean protection stories from around the world.
Tristan da Cunha
Juan Fernández Archipelago
Revillagigedo Islands
Niue
Scientific research
Our scientists have collectively published more than 300 scientific publications in peer-reviewed journals like Nature, Science, PLOS One and more.
Latest stories
Explore the latest stories showcasing our ocean conservation efforts around the world.
Leveraging world-class expertise
Founder
Enric Sala
Enric Sala is a former university professor who saw himself writing the obituary of ocean life, and quit academia in 2008 to become a full-time conservationist as National Geographic Explorer in Residence. He founded and leads National Geographic Pristine Seas, a project that combines exploration, research, media, economics and policy – working with local communities, Indigenous Peoples and governments to protect vital places in the ocean. To date, Pristine Seas has helped to create 30 of the largest marine reserves on the planet, covering an area of over 6.9 million square kilometers. Enric has received numerous awards, including 2008 World Economic Forum’s Young Global Leader, 2013 Explorers Club Lowell Thomas Award, 2018 Heinz Award in Public Policy, National Geographic Hubbard Medal, Albert I Grand Medal, and Officer of the Order of San Carlos of Colombia. He is a fellow of the Royal Geographical Society.
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.
Photo credits (from top of page): Manu San Félix, Ossie Michelin, SerrNovik/Getty/iStockphoto, Manu San Félix, Enric Sala, Ossie Michelin, Enric Sala (2)