Pristine Seas

National Geographic Society

National Geographic Pristine Seas is an exploration, research and filmmaking project that is working to protect the last wild places in the ocean. Founded and led by National Geographic Explorer in Residence Enric Sala, the project has helped to create 31 of the largest marine reserves on Earth, covering seven million square kilometers of ocean. These “national parks of the sea” preserve the wonders of the ocean while increasing the food supply, providing economic benefits, and building resilience against global warming.

Since its launch, Pristine Seas has published hundreds of scientific research papers and led expeditions to some of the most ecologically important and vulnerable marine ecosystems on the planet. Its work contributes directly to the global “30x30” goal to protect 30% of the ocean by 2030.

With funding from the Levine Family Foundation, via the UBS Optimus Foundation. Pristine Seas is advancing an ambitious effort to accelerate ocean protection in priority marine ecosystems globally. The funding supports scientific expeditions, conservation planning and engagement with policymakers to help establish new highly protected marine areas.

The partnership also supports the organisation’s multidisciplinary approach, which combines marine science, economic analysis, storytelling and public engagement to build support for long-term ocean conservation. Particular focus is being placed on habitats such as coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass meadows, kelp forests and seamount ecosystems that are critical for biodiversity and climate resilience.

As human pressures on the oceans continue to intensify, the work of Pristine Seas is helping identify and safeguard areas of exceptional ecological importance before they are irreversibly damaged. Through research-driven conservation and global collaboration, the initiative is helping secure a healthier future for the ocean and the communities that depend upon it.