Mission Blue is an initiative of the Sylvia Earle Alliance (S.E.A.), founded in 2009 by renowned oceanographer Dr. Sylvia Earle. It is committed to inspiring action to explore and protect the ocean, focusing on the identification and conservation of marine "Hope Spots" - unique areas critical to the health of the ocean. Based in Washington, D.C., its mission is to ignite public support for a global network of marine protected areas to safeguard 20% of the ocean by 2020.

Mission Blue works on a multifaceted approach to ocean conservation, involving public awareness, scientific research, and policy advocacy. Collaborating with various institutions, governments, and individuals, they actively support ocean exploration, document marine life, and build community engagement to promote sustainable ocean practices. Their Hope Spot initiative aims to empower local communities in conservation action.

Some key initiatives include:

• Expeditions: Conducting scientific explorations in Hope Spots to understand and preserve marine biodiversity.

• Hope Spots: Designation and protection of marine areas critical for ocean health.

• Educational Outreach: Programs for schools and communities to build awareness and engage citizens in ocean conservation.

• Policy Advocacy: Collaborating with governments to enact policies and regulations for marine protection.

Mission Blue continues to play a vital role in the global movement to preserve our oceans, driven by the belief that public engagement and collective action can lead to significant positive change in the state of our planet's most essential ecosystem.