Annual Report 2019 Inspiring Action to Explore and Protect the Ocean Ar2019

ANNUAL REPORT 2019 INSPIRING ACTION TO EXPLORE AND PROTECT THE OCEAN AR2019

“AS NEVER BEFORE, THERE IS KNOWLEDGE OF WHY THE OCEAN MATTERS TO EVERYONE, EVERYWHERE, ALL THE TIME.”

DR. SYLVIA EARLE CABO PULMO, BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO DR. SYLVIA A. EARLE © KIP EVANS, MISSION BLUE AR2019

FOUNDER’S MESSAGE FROM DR. SYLVIA EARLE

As never before, there is knowledge of why the ocean matters to everyone, everywhere, all the time. Knowledge now exists that did not and could not exist prior to advanced technologies that have taken humans Whether you are an artist, a congressman, a scientist, high in the sky, deep in the sea, and provided the means a corporate leader, a teacher, an entrepreneur or you are to look into the past, assess the present, and anticipate still a kid, there are plenty of opportunities to protect the the future. Now we know. The ocean makes possible everything we ocean while there is still time. Around the world, people care about — our health, our wealth, our security, and everywhere are finding ways to make a difference. The ocean holds 97% of Earth’s water, drives climate and everything else that matters to our species — by providing weather, regulates planetary temperature and chemistry, Our Hope Spot Champions are collecting debris, writing the one thing that matters most of all: our existence. provides the greatest diversity and living space for life in letters, conducting surveys, posting blogs, documenting Without the ocean, Earth would be as barren and inhospi- the known Universe. the environment, and changing their habits to do all they table as the moon or Mars. It is the cornerstone of our life can right now. We hope you will join us. support system. No ocean, no life. No blue, no green. The ocean will not dry up tomorrow, but trouble for the ocean means trouble for us.

I could have only dreamed in 2009, the year Mission Blue was founded, that Hope Spots would be scattered across the vast ocean by the end of 2019. This year has been Mission Blue’s most productive yet. We managed to welcome 21 new marine ecosystems into the Hope Spots network of increased ocean protection.

Working with community-based Champions, Mission Blue has initiated enhanced exploration, protection, education, documentation, and a vigorous program of communication in 127 Hope Spots and strongly supports full protection for the High Seas — the global commons beyond national jurisdictions.

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DR. SYLVIA EARLE AND MISSION BLUE TEAM WITH MEXICAN PARTNERS IN CABO PULMO, BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO © KIP EVANS, MISSION BLUE

AR2019 TABLE OF CONTENTS

4 Our Mission 6 Mission Blue Hope Spots — 2019 Snapshot 8 The Hope Spot Information Platform 11 Mission Blue Impacts 12 Advancing Ocean Literacy 13 Mission Blue Hope Spots — In Action 15 Mission Blue Hope Spots — Highlights 25 Expedition Program — Exploring Hope Spots 38 Future Mission Blue Expeditions 39 Financial Report 40 Partnerships — Key to Our Success 42 The Year 2019 in the Life of Her Deepness 43 The Next Decade: Diving Into The Future 44 Mission Blue Board of Directors 45 Hope Spot Scientific Advisory Council 46 Mission Blue Staff

DR. SYLVIA EARLE AND PRESIDENT OF PALAU TOMMY REMENGESAU JR. DIVING © KIP EVANS, MISSION BLUE AR2019

OUR MISSION

Our overarching goal is to have 30% of the ocean fully protected

In 2009, Dr. Sylvia Earle won the TED Prize, a culmination by 2030, in line with IUCN’s mandate to safeguard ocean health. of both her life’s work and her heroic vision to save the world’s ocean. From this remarkable dream of protecting All of our Hope Spot work puts this objective at the forefront. and restoring the ocean, Mission Blue was born. At that time, less than 1% of the ocean was protected.

As of 2020, through worldwide efforts of groups and Dr. Earle and the Mission Blue team have been working individuals like Dr. Sylvia Earle and allies, about 10% of vigorously and without pause for a decade, acting as the ocean is currently under some form of protection. international ambassadors for the ocean. Our global influence is making a substantial impact in awareness and policy, be it from Dr. Earle’s 300-days-per-year speaking schedule, our Hope Spots expeditions, the Netflix documentary, Mission Blue, major media coverage such as TIME’s cover of Dr. Earle, or the millions reached every year via our social media channels. We have no plans to slow this amazing momentum towards ocean conservation.

DR. SYLVIA EARLE WON THE TED PRIZE IN 2009, AND WITH THE PRIZE STARTED MISSION BLUE TO REALIZE HER WISH OF A NETWORK OF MARINE PROTECTED AREAS — HOPE SPOTS — TO PROTECT THE BLUE HEART OF THE PLANET. DR. SYLVIA EARLE GRACES THE COVER OF TIME MAGAZINE AS PART OF THE FIRSTS SPECIAL PROJECT, FOCUSED ON WOMEN WHO ARE SHATTERING GLASS CEILINGS AND CHANGING THE WORLD. ‹ DR. EARLE ON THE COVER OF TIME FOR KIDS.

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SCIENTIST ANDREA ASUNSOLO SWIMS WITH AN OCEANIC MANTA RAY AT THE REVILLAGIGEDO ARCHIPELAGO HOPE SPOT © KIP EVANS, MISSION BLUE AR2019

MISSION BLUE HOPE SPOTS — 2019 SNAPSHOT

From the beginning, Mission Blue has ignited hope for Within this vast Hope Spot network is a vibrant ecosystem the ocean through outreach, expeditions, and a growing of people as diverse as the ocean itself. Mission Blue global network of Hope Spots. The past ten years have has both championed local citizens and empowered brought a groundswell of support from every corner of international leaders, uplifting the spirits of people around this ocean planet with the Hope Spot community growing the globe with the belief that we can still restore the faster than ever before. ocean’s health.

SHANNON THE SHARK, AKA SHANNON RAKE, MISSION BLUE’S HOPE SPOT PROGRAM MANAGER, CATCHES UP WITH A YOUNG MARINE CONSERVATIONIST AT THE FLORIDA GULF COAST HOPE SPOT LAUNCH EVENT IN OCTOBER, 2019. © MISSION BLUE

ARTIST AND MISSION BLUE PARTNER PAM LONGOBARDI SHARES HER COLLECTION OF COASTAL PLASTICS DURING A BIOTHERM SPONSORED EXPEDITION TO THE BALEARIC ISLANDS HOPE SPOT © KIP EVANS, MISSION BLUE

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MISSION BLUE HOPE SPOTS — 2019 SNAPSHOT CONTINUED

Mission Blue is proud to report the creation of 131 Hope Spots this decade, with 21 designated in 2019.

Each one is making meaningful strides toward restoration Our team has completed 30 ocean expeditions, with three and protection. We work directly with more than 120 local in 2019. These are supported by the generosity of partners, communities in more than 69 countries to restore and researchers, and sponsors who often join us. Expeditions protect their unique ocean environments. build collaborative relationships with local government authorities, industry leaders, and community members, including local schools. Stories and findings from each expedition are shared with millions of people through Mission Blue’s digital platforms.

To safeguard ocean health, IUCN has called for 30% of the ocean to be highly protected from extractive activities by 2030, COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR BRETT LOVEMAN FILMS DR. EARLE IN SAN FRANCISCO. and Mission Blue is putting its © DEB CASTELLANA, MISSION BLUE full weight behind this goal.

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THE HOPE SPOT INFORMATION PLATFORM

The Hope Spot Information The interactive platform is accessible from the Hope Spots With the support of ESRI, this conservation technology map on Mission Blue’s website and features a library of platform was launched in 2020 and will continue to Platform is a spatial, scientific, multimedia story maps, articles, videos, photos and scien- evolve to meet the needs of the rapidly-scaling Hope Spot tific data for each Hope Spot. The platform also facilitates program. multimedia database that enables the nomination of new Hope Spots from the public. broad public engagement with Hope Spots and facilitates collaboration between Hope Spot champions.

MISSION BLUE HOPE SPOT MAP © COURTESY OF ESRI

ARAR20192019

CLICK LOGOS ON MAP FOR ACCESS TO STORYMAPS SELECTED STORYMAPS

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“I WISH YOU WOULD USE ALL MEANS AT YOUR DISPOSAL — FILMS, THE WEB, EXPEDITIONS, NEW SUBMARINES, A CAMPAIGN ! — TO IGNITE PUBLIC SUPPORT FOR A NETWORK OF GLOBAL MARINE PROTECTED AREAS, HOPE SPOTS LARGE ENOUGH TO SAVE AND RESTORE THE OCEAN, THE BLUE HEART OF THE PLANET.”

DR. SYLVIA EARLE

MALLORCA COAST BALEARIC ISLANDS HOPE SPOT © KIP EVANS, MISSION BLUE AR2019

MISSION BLUE IMPACTS

Collectively, We Empower More Than We Share Our Information With The With More Than Ocean Community, 100 Communities 250 Partners Our Goal is 30% By Providing And Allies Protection A Global Platform To Foster An Informed Community By 2030 To Give Voice To Of Ocean Advocates Their Goals And Achievements We Launched Hope Spots In Ocean Conservation Aligned To Meet United Nations 127 New

SDG14 Target MISSION BLUE HOPE SPOTS Hope Spots MAKE THE DIFFERENCE since 2010

We Reached We Explore Our Hope Spots Through Expeditions 83 Million People On Our Media Platforms — 30 In The Last Decade — With Our Vital Message Of Hope To Catalog Species And Gain Scientific Knowledge Through Ocean Restoration Of The Threats These Habitats Are Facing

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ADVANCING OCEAN LITERACY

Our channels and partners share Partnerships Expeditions inspiring Hope Spot stories which are amplified by major In 2019, working directly with Hope Spot Champions

all around the world, we planned and executed Communications Technology news outlets, in-person speaking a record 21 Hope Spot launches and folded them into Hope Spots a Hope Spot-centric communications campaign that engagements, and our growing garnered a reach of over 83 million, created over 1.4 million engagements and increased our audience global online community. to just shy of 1 million unique followers. Community Engagement Science Advisory

Followers IN MILLIONS Social Media Reach IN MILLIONS

1 100 0.9 90 0.8 80 0.7 70 0.6 60 0.5 50 0.4 40 0.3 30 0.2 20 0.1 10 0 0

2009 2017 2018 2019 2009 2017 2018 2019

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MISSION BLUE HOPE SPOTS — IN ACTION

Hope Spot champions are agents of change for a better future.

As ecologically significant areas that are critical to ocean Some Hope Spots are already formally safeguarded as Working hard to move the needle for ocean conservation, health, Hope Spots are about recognizing, empowering, marine protected areas (MPAs) while others still need Hope Spot champions engage scientists, businesses, and supporting individuals and communities around defined protection. If protected as MPAs, Hope Spots can leaders, one another, and the public — including kids of all the world in their efforts to protect the ocean. form the basis of tomorrow’s healthy ocean — an action- ages — to implement best practices right where they live able roadmap to take us from a period of decline to one and work. These champions update Mission Blue to share of bounty and health. stories of their efforts and amplify their achievements.

Growth of Hope Spots

140 130 120 110 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0

2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

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“THE BOTTOM LINE ANSWER TO THE QUESTION ABOUT WHY BIODIVERSITY MATTERS IS FAIRLY SIMPLE: THE REST OF THE LIVING WORLD CAN GET ALONG WITHOUT US, BUT WE CAN’T GET ALONG WITHOUT THEM.”

DR. SYLVIA EARLE

JELLYFISH LAKE — ONGEIM’L TKETAU, KOROR, PALAU © KIP EVANS, MISSION BLUE AR2019

MISSION BLUE HOPE SPOTS — HIGHLIGHTS

page 16 › page 19 › page 22 › COCOS — GALÁPAGOS ARGYLL COAST & ISLANDS, TETIAROA ATOLL, SWIMWAY SCOTLAND FRENCH POLYNESIA

What could become one of the first binational marine pro- The first-ever Hope Spot on mainland United Kingdom Tetiaroa Atoll is a secluded circular island in the South tected areas in the world has been declared a Hope Spot. sheds light on the immense beauty, rich history, and Pacific that serves as a refuge for nesting green sea turtles This initiative connects the UNESCO biosphere reserves of vibrant life along Scotland’s west coast. Four community and a variety of seabird species. This stunning atoll is two countries, Costa Rica & Ecuador, highlighting the need networks have banded together under the Coastal surrounded by a healthy and ecologically important coral to implement cutting-edge solutions to protect migratory Communities Network, Scotland, to raise community reef and a brilliant turquoise lagoon. species, such as sea turtles and sharks in the Eastern awareness of the need to encourage protection of Tropical Pacific. Scotland’s unique marine ecosystems.

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HIGHLIGHT: COCOS — GALÁPAGOS SWIMWAY

What could become one of the first binational marine protected Hope Spot Champion Todd Steiner, executive director of Turtle Island Restoration Network: areas in the world has been This initiative connects the UNESCO biosphere reserves of “This advances our thinking about how to protect highly two countries, Costa Rica & Ecuador, highlighting the need endangered migratory species which do not stay put in a declared a Mission Blue Hope Spot. to implement cutting-edge solutions to protect migratory single locale like the Galápagos or Cocos marine reserves. species, such as sea turtles and sharks in the Eastern By expanding these marine protected areas and actively Tropical Pacific. International collaboration is essential to working with the governments of Costa Rica and Ecuador protect migratory species that travel across borders. along with several additional partners to create the first

Costa Rica Migratory species travel in between the Galápagos and bilateral agreement, we will allow endangered species to Panama Cocos marine reserves. They are protected in the reserves, migrate safely outside the small marine protected areas however they are threatened by industrial fishing, poach- and connect two sovereign nation’s marine national parks, ing, and bycatch while traveling between the reserves. something we hope will be a blueprint that is copied across the globe.” Cocos

Malpelo

Ecuador Galápagos

JOAKIM ODELBERG, DR. ALEX HEARN, AND HOPE SPOT CHAMPION TODD STEINER. © TURTLE ISLAND RESTORATION NETWORK

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COCOS — GALÁPAGOS SWIMWAY CONTINUED

Dr. Sylvia Earle’s first impressions in the Galápagos were vivid:

“I had an opportunity to meet sharks in the Galápagos in We must consider the creatures that occupy this liquid 1966. I thought I had found the ‘sharkiest’ place on the space that we call the ocean and realize that if we were planet, it’s this magical place that clearly was important to protect them, it’s not good enough that Cocos and not just for sharks, but for a rich diversity of life. Galápagos have an area of a safe haven around them.

In 1972, I had the opportunity to visit Cocos Island. What about the space in between? In between those islands, there’s a lot of water. That has to be protected too.”

HAMMERHEAD SHARK © KIP EVANS, MISSION BLUE

DR. SYLVIA EARLE DIVES DEEP IN THE DEEPSEE SUB, EXPLORING THE WATERS OF COCOS ISLAND © KIP EVANS, MISSION BLUE

SEA TURTLES © SHMULIK BLUM, UNDERSEA HUNTER

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“THIS ADVANCES OUR THINKING ABOUT HOW TO PROTECT HIGHLY ENDANGERED MIGRATORY SPECIES WHICH DO NOT STAY PUT IN A SINGLE LOCALE LIKE THE GALÁPAGOS OR COCOS MARINE RESERVES”

TODD STEINER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TURTLE ISLAND RESTORATION NETWORK

SILKY SHARKS (CARCHARHINUS FALCIFORMIS) AND OTHER SPECIES, ACTIVELY FEEDING IN THE WATERS OFF COCOS ISLAND © KIP EVANS, MISSION BLUE AR2019

HIGHLIGHT: ARGYLL COAST & ISLANDS, SCOTLAND

The first-ever Hope Spot on Plunging beneath the surface, shipwrecks lie preserved, their presence a reminder of the inextricable link between mainland United Kingdom sheds the sea and our maritime heritage. Many of these sites Four community networks have banded together under have become artificial reefs full of marine life and now light on the immense beauty, the Coastal Communities Network, Scotland, to raise serve as windows into the past. community awareness of the need to encourage protection rich history, and vibrant life along of Scotland’s unique marine ecosystems. The strikingly diverse landscape of the west coast of Scotland’s west coast. Scotland is one of a storybook come to life. Imagine idyllic, rolling green hills, cut with streams of clear water carving a path over rocks blanketed in tufts of spongy moss.

Argyll Coast & Islands

United Kingdom

Ireland

A GROUP OF YOUNG PEOPLE APPRECIATES THE WONDERS OF ONE OF THEIR LOCAL MARINE PROTECTED AREAS. THE LOCH SWEEN MPA, ARGYLL COAST AND ISLANDS © JOHN AITCHISON

SHIPWRECK SOUND OF MULL © UDO VAN DONGEN

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ARGYLL COAST & ISLANDS, SCOTLAND CONTINUED

Such areas are rare in today’s There is an abundance of marine biodiversity within these world, and the Argyll Coast and waters, which has sustained the lives of those on land for thousands of years. Islands Hope Spot deserves to be celebrated as well as protected

from unsustainable practices. CORMORANT AND SHAGS SOUND OF JURA © PHILLIP PRICE

West Scotland’s waters are home to dolphins, whales, seals, ”We want to encourage our coastal communities to be otters, birds, and the critically endangered flapper skate. more engaged and aware of what is happening just off their shores. The more people get to know and understand the wonders of this marine ecosystem, the more Isle of Mull likely they will care about how it is looked after, and

Colonsay what factors can impact the success of future protection and restoration of this unique and finite resource. Isle of Jura The community groups that have come together and immersed themselves in the conservation of Scotland’s Islay west coast marine ecosystems are proof that we can make a difference in local communities that create ripples across the world.

Taking care of the local marine environment will ensure the sustainable future of the ocean, and the right framework is in place to make it happen.

We just have to take the plunge.” — Annabel Lawrence

A FLAPPER SKATE EGG CASE, ALSO KNOWN AS A MERMAID’S PURSE, IS THE LARGEST IN THE WORLD. © PHILLIP PRICE

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“TAKING CARE OF THE LOCAL MARINE ENVIRONMENT WILL ENSURE THE SUSTAINABLE FUTURE OF THE OCEAN, AND THE RIGHT FRAMEWORK IS IN PLACE TO MAKE IT HAPPEN. WE JUST HAVE TO TAKE THE PLUNGE.”

ANNABEL LAWRENCE, HOPE SPOT CHAMPION

GREY SEAL PUP WEST COAST OF SCOTLAND © JOHN AITCHISON AR2019

HIGHLIGHT: TETIAROA ATOLL, FRENCH POLYNESIA

Tetiaroa Atoll is a secluded circular island in the South Pacific that This stunning atoll is surrounded by a healthy and ecologi- Mission Blue has declared Tetiaroa Atoll a Hope Spot serves as a refuge for nesting cally important coral reef and a brilliant turquoise lagoon. in support of Tetiaroa Society’s goal of establishing full protection for the island from a ground-up, grassroots Unfortunately, like other atolls around the tropics, Tetiaroa approach and in support of the region’s long term green sea turtles and a variety and the coral reefs that support it are at serious risk due sea turtle nesting program on the atoll. to the negative effects of climate change and resource of seabird species. misuse — but there is hope. “We need to do everything in Tupai our power to protect and restore Maupiti Taha’a Tetiaroa Bora Bora places like Tetiaroa Atoll as if

Huahine our lives depend on it, because Taiatea Mo’orea they do. The time is now to do Tahiti what we can to continue to conserve this special place — hope for the world’s atolls

and reefs.” — Dr. Sylvia Earle TEN-YEAR OLD PAPEHAU FROM TAHITI WATCHES AN ENDANGERED BABY GREEN SEA TURTLE ON ITS WAY TO THE LAGOON. © TETIAROA SOCIETY

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TETIAROA ATOLL, FRENCH POLYNESIA CONTINUED

To investigate these ongoing threats, Tetiaroa Society operates Nonprofit group “Te mana o te Moana” launched the Sea a research station on the island, Turtle Monitoring and Research Program on Tetiaroa in 2007. With more than 12 years of data, the sea turtle hosting researchers from all over program has been a great success with over 1,500 nests inventoried and protected. This dedicated research the world. program also studies the effects of climate change and predators on nesting success.

Research and conservation programs include habitat “I met Sylvia Earle over 20 years ago. Since that day, her MOOREA STUDENTS AT BIRD ISLAND restoration, shark ecology, archaeology, coral reef words have strengthened my conviction for immediate © TETIAROA SOCIETY restoration, traditional fisheries management, and ocean action towards protecting our oceans.” acidification modeling. — Dr. Cécile Gaspar

BABY GREEN SEA TURTLE © ALEXIS ROSENFELD DR. CÉCILE GASPAR COLLECTING DATA FROM SEA TURTLES © TETIAROA SOCIETY

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“I MET DR. SYLVIA EARLE OVER 20 YEARS AGO. SINCE THAT DAY,

HER WORDS HAVE STRENGTHENED MY CONVICTION FOR

IMMEDIATE ACTION TOWARDS PROTECTING OUR OCEANS.”

DR. CÉCILE GASPAR, TETIAROA ATOLL HOPE SPOT CHAMPION

AERIAL VIEW OF TETIAROA © TIM MCKENNA AR2019

EXPEDITION PROGRAM — EXPLORING HOPE SPOTS MISSION BLUE EXPEDITIONS SINCE 2009

2009 Mayan Riviera Hope Spot Holbox Expedition Since 2010, Mission Blue has 2009 Galápagos Islands Mission Blue Voyage 2009 Eastern Tropical Pacific Hope Spot Cocos Island Expedition I 2010 Gardens of the Queens Hope Spot Cuba Expedition I embarked on 30 expeditions 2010 Mesoamerican Reef Hope Spot Mesoamerican Reef Expedition 2011 Swan Islands, Honduras Swan Islands to explore and document 2012 Gardens of the Queen Hope Spot Cuba Expedition II 2012 Bahamian Reefs Hope Spot Exuma Cays Expedition 2012 Eastern Pacific Seascape Hope Spot Coiba Expedition Hope Spots around the world. 2014 Eastern Pacific Seascape Hope Spot Playa Grande Expedition 2014 South African Hope Spots South Africa Expedition 2014 Gulf of California Hope Spot Gulf of California Expedition I 2015 Gulf of California Hope Spot Gulf of California Expedition II We’ve spent hundreds of hours filming undersea research In 2019 we embarked upon some of our most successful 2015 Cashes Ledge Hope Spot Cashes Ledge Expedition projects and supporting conservation programs critical Hope Spots expeditions to date. Working with our global 2015 Coral Triangle Hope Spot Mission Blue Voyage II to the health of the ocean, both in areas of abundant partners we visited Malpelo Island, the Galápagos Islands, 2016 Balearic Islands Hope Spot Balearic Islands Expedition 2017 Gulf of California Hope Spot Gulf of California Expedition III biodiversity and also those suffering from challenging and the Gulf of California. 2017 Balearic Islands Hope Spot Balearic Islands Expedition II — sometimes devastating — environmental issues. 2017 Revillagigedo Archipelago Hope Spot Revillagigedo Archipelago Expedition Our team collectively spent over 575 hours underwater 2017 Central American Dome Hope Spot Costa Rica Thermal Dome Expedition with conservation leaders, scientists, and donors. 2017 Eastern Tropical Pacific Hope Spot Cocos Island Expedition II 2017 Balearic Islands Hope Spot Balearic Islands Expedition III During our expeditions, we meet with government and 2018 Gulf of California Hope Spot Gulf of California Expedition IV community leaders, documented science projects, 2018 Spitsbergen Island Hope Spot Spitsbergen Expedition and co-hosted important community events. 2018 Micronesian Islands Hope Spot Palau Expedition 2019 Gulf of California Hope Spot Gulf of California Expedition V 2019 Malpelo Island Hope Spot Malpelo Island Expedition 2019 Eastern Pacific Seascape Hope Spot Galápagos Islands Expedition 2020 Outer Seychelles Seychelles Expedition with BBC 2020 Chiloé National Park Expansion Northern Patagonia, Chile

MALPELO ISLAND, COLOMBIA GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS, ECUADOR GULF OF CALIFORNIA, MEXICO © KIP EVANS, MISSION BLUE

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EXPEDITION PROGRAM — EXPLORING HOPE SPOTS CONTINUED

On each of our expeditions, Our very existence depends we develop stories that we on the ocean. share with the world through Showcasing the work of our partners, scientists, and Dr. Earle is first and foremost an ocean explorer. Her ocean Hope Spot champions, we spotlight remarkable coastal exploration began when she led a team of five aquanauts, our digital channels. and undersea life, inspiring the public to care and act the first-ever group of women divers, to live underwater to protect these precious habitats. for two weeks in a Harvard University scientific study. To date, she has spent 7,000 hours underwater, her favorite place on the planet. In addition, she has led more than 100 ocean expeditions all over the world. She has been a pioneer and advocate for ocean research her entire career.

Sylvia has always believed that to know is to care, and without knowing enough about the ocean, it’s difficult to understand how inextricably linked we are to the vital processes of Earth’s Blue Heart. Our very existence depends on the ocean.

It’s no wonder exploration is at the core of all Mission Blue Hope Spot expeditions, fostering meaningful partnerships, building community support for marine conservation, and creating global awareness.

MISSION BLUE EXPEDITION TEAM PHOTO SESSION, SPITSBERGEN HOPE SPOT, NORWAY © CARL LUNDIN, IUCN

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EXPEDITION PROGRAM

FUN D S CI EN T ECOSYST IF UE EM IC IQ S N R U E E S O N B E R I L S U A O S R

A L I E

™ C P D M

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E I C E T E X M I P A E R D I O G N O T I O N P R C U E M A M N O E C C P N L R O GA CA L GE IN LO Y E IC C A Y A T R E E F IT IL L MS N TO EA ADVANCE OC

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“EVEN NOW, LESS THAN TEN PERCENT OF THE OCEAN HAS BEEN SEEN, LET ALONE EXPLORED OR EVEN MAPPED WITH THE SAME PRECISION WE HAVE MAPPED THE LAND, THE MOON, MARS OR JUPITER.”

DR. SYLVIA EARLE

A MELTING ICEBERG FLOATS IN THE ARCTIC WATERS OF SPITSBERGEN ISLAND HOPE SPOT © KIP EVANS, MISSION BLUE AR2019

2019 EXPEDITIONS — MALPELO ISLAND, COLOMBIA

Malpelo is a small volcanic island located about 304 miles from Although the island boasts a size of only 0.5 square miles, Buenaventura Port, Colombia, its surrounding waters are home to what is considered one of the most important coral formations in the Colom- and has bathymetry that descends bian Pacific. In 1995, The Colombian National Government declared Malpelo a Marine Protected Area, making it a to 13.000 feet underwater. protected oceanic area in the Colombian Pacific providing hope to existing and future generations.

Home to one of the world’s largest shark populations, Malpelo became a Hope Spot in 2016. ✔✔ A combined 184 dive hours by the expedition team members that collected data, and filmed Mission Blue coordinated an expedition in 2019 with habitats, and studied shark populations. Hope Spot Champion and scientist Sandra Bessudo of the Malpelo Foundation. Together with Malpelo National ✔✔ Interviews with scientists, National Park Park, Conservation International Colombia, MigraMar, managers, and conservation leaders. and The Baum Foundation, they were able to investigate ✔✔ Three written blogs and a video story about and document this remote unpopulated island teeming the importance of Malpelo and Dr. Earle’s with life below the surface. Global Hope Spot efforts.

✔✔ Mission Blue’s Malpelo media content during WHAT WE ACCOMPLISHED WHAT this expedition attracted 2 million viewers. SCIENTIST SANDRA BESSUDO © KIP EVANS, MISSION BLUE

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MALPELO ISLAND, COLOMBIA CONTINUED

Media content from the expedition allowed two million viewers The team conducted fish surveys, documented new By understanding the patterns of these essential ocean discoveries, and attached satellite and acoustic trans- to discover the magic of Malpelo. predators, we can begin to protect them and the ocean’s mitters to sharks. Researchers worked collectively to add threatened food chain from further degradation. data to the Migramar database, which aims to identify key migratory corridors. Researchers believe that sharks commute among seamounts and other Hope Spots including Cocos Island, Galápagos Islands, and the Revillagigedo Islands, all of which Mission Blue has explored.

MAURICIO HOYO © KIP EVANS, MISSION BLUE

EXPEDITION TEAM PHOTO © KIP EVANS, MISSION BLUE SILVER TIP SHARK © KIP EVANS, MISSION BLUE

The Malpelo Island expedition was made possible by: Glenn Bucksbaum, The Baum Foundation, The Malpelo Foundation, Conservation International Colombia, and MigraMar. The Equipment Sponsors: Scuba Pro, Paralens, and Light & Motion. SCHOOLING SNAPPER FISH © KIP EVANS, MISSION BLUE 30 AR2019

MALPELO ISLAND, COLOMBIA © KIP EVANS, MISSION BLUE AR2019

2019 EXPEDITIONS — GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS, ECUADOR

The 2019 Galápagos Expedition

explored vastly diverse areas We negotiated permits and security clearance for the We used the submersible to obtain deep water kelp research mothership Argo and the DeepSee submersible samples with scientist Salome Buglass and Dr. Earle. of the archipelago. to allow exploration of critical habitats beyond diver depth. The team performed genetic testing on a newly-discovered species of deep-sea kelp, which plays a crucial role in the region’s ecosystem.

✔✔ Interviews with scientists, National Park managers, and conservation leaders.

✔✔ Submersible transects and exploration dives included nearly 40 hours of dive time in multiple areas, provided access to unexplored areas for fish, shark and kelp forest populations. Valuable data collected from deployed transmitters and submersible transects in kelp zones.

✔✔ A combined 250+ scuba dive hours by the expedition team.

✔✔ Hosted an outreach event for 350 community members, including the Navy, National Park, Charles Darwin Foundation and many other organizations.

✔✔ Fisk Johnson’s microplastic video from this expedition garnered millions WHAT WE ACCOMPLISHED WHAT of Twitter views.

SCIENTIST SALOME BUGLASS AND DR. EARLE WITH DEEP WATER KELP SAMPLES COLLECTED UNDER PERMIT. © KIP EVANS, MISSION BLUE

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GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS, ECUADOR CONTINUED

The Galápagos Hope Spot supports some of the highest known Dr. Alex Hearn and Hope Spot Champion Manuel “Manolo” A community event was held at a local civic center on Yepez conducted studies to identify, count and tag whale Santa Cruz Island with over 350 attendees, where the fish biomass and the greatest sharks. In partnership with MigraMar, this information is Hope Spot team shared the goals of the expedition and being used to learn more about the movement of sharks the importance of strengthening conservation efforts abundance of sharks in the world. in the Eastern Tropical Pacific. amid ongoing threats.

MOTHERSHIP ARGO AND 333M DEEPSEE SUBMERSIBLE © KIP EVANS, MISSION BLUE DR. EARLE MEETS WITH LOCALS AFTER THE EXPEDITION COMMUNITY EVENT © AMANDA TOWNSEL, MISSION BLUE

The Galápagos Islands expedition was made possible by: Seth Casden, Fisk Johnson (SC Johnson), Carol Hampf and the UnderSea Hunter crew. The Equipment Sponsors: ScubaPro and Light & Motion.

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2019 EXPEDITIONS — GULF OF CALIFORNIA, MEXICO

The Gulf of California Hope Spot is a 700-mile long narrow sea nestled

between Baja and mainland The Gulf is home to more than 800 species of fish, 2,000 invertebrates, as well as whales, dolphins, sea turtles, Mexico and is one of the world’s sea lions, and the critically endangered vaquita porpoise. richest and youngest seas.

✔✔ Raised $50,000 for local shark conservation efforts.

✔✔ Co-hosted Shark conservation and MPA conference in La Paz.

✔✔ Continued to meet and interview stakeholders in Baja’s shark fishery.

✔✔ Continued to support our Mexican partners.

✔✔ Completed blogs, videos and other media content to educate the public about shark WHAT WE ACCOMPLISHED WHAT SHARI SANT PLUMMER, DR. SYLVIA EARLE AND conservation challenges in Mexico. DR. JAMES KETCHUM EXAMINE SEVERAL DEAD SHARKS AT VILLA LOS FRAILES IN CABO PULMO NATIONAL PARK © KIP EVANS, MISSION BLUE

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GULF OF CALIFORNIA, MEXICO CONTINUED

Mission Blue reunited with the Mexican conservation We also co-hosted the 2nd Gulf of California Shark confer- Mexican decision-makers are now becoming more aware community and scientists from Pelagios Kakunjá on an ence in La Paz, Baja California to bring together fishermen, of the critical importance of protecting ocean wildlife expedition to document important shark congregation tour operators, conservation leaders, government officials, within migratory corridors. areas and active shark-fishing operations in this spectacular and scientists to discuss the challenges facing shark Dr. Earle received a presidential invitation to celebrate Hope Spot. populations and to analyze the merits of creating MPAs the expansion of the Revillagigedo Marine Park, a key for the Las Animas and El Bajo areas. stopover in this migratory corridor, and also one of the Mission Blue Hope Spots.

ORGANIZERS FOR THE PELAGIOS KAKUNJA AND MISSION BLUE SHARK CONSERVATION CONFERENCE IN LA PAZ, BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO © BRETT LOVEMAN, MISSION BLUE

DR. EARLE SPEAKS AT THE INAUGURATION OF REVILLAGIGEDO MARINE NATIONAL PARK

The Gulf of California expedition was made possible by: The Paradise Foundation, The Marisla Fondation, and The Baum Foundation. Equipment Sponsors: Scuba Pro, Paralens, Gates Housing, and Light & Motion.

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FUTURE MISSION BLUE EXPEDITIONS

Pending international travel restrictions, we hope to Planning is also underway for an expedition to Cuba Other expeditions currently under consideration include embark on an expedition to the Chilean Fjords in 2020 in 2021 with our partners at PADI. the Northwest Passage, Antarctic Peninsula, Seychelles, with our conservation partners at PEW. Greenland, and the Canary Islands.

These threatened coastal ecosystems are among the most active areas of the biosphere, exchanging matter and energy with the open ocean across continental slopes.

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FINANCIAL REPORT YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2019 (UNAUDITED)

0.4% Grants 14% Management & General

0.6% Other

16% Fundraising 13% Program

86% Contributions 70% Program

Revenues 2019 Expenses 2019

Grants $ 8,616 Program $ 1,083,075 Contributions $ 1,631,534 Management & General $ 219,674 Program $ 251,833 Fundraising $ 243,966 Other $ 11,020

Total Revenue $ 1,903,003 Total Expenses $ 1,546,715 Prior Years’ Funds for 2019 $ 356,288

Total Support & Revenue $ 2,259,291

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PARTNERSHIPS — KEY TO OUR SUCCESS

Mission Blue relies on the strength of our partnerships in everything we do — and now there are over 200 Alliance Partners in the Mission Blue family — and the number continues to grow.

The global community is quickly waking up to the critical state of the environment, and government leaders and corporations are eager to become leaders in the quest to make a difference.

With NGO partners such as IUCN, we hold a respected From large multinationals to barebones scientific teams, space on the world stage where Dr. Earle’s voice and Mission Blue’s partnership network unites a spectrum mission are heard, loud and clear, among hundreds of of non-profit, for-profit, and public interests, all under millions of people every year. the common goal of restoring the blue heart of the planet through a global network of Hope Spots.

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OUR DISTINGUISHED SUPPORTERS — THANK YOU !

Ideas worth TED spreading

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THE YEAR 2019 IN THE LIFE OF HER DEEPNESS

Mission Blue is forever indebted to our intrepid founder, Dr. Sylvia Earle.

Dr. Earle continues to advance awareness around urgency for ocean protection along with solutions to prevent an irreversible global environmental crisis. Her work throughout the year inspired millions to take action.

We have a lot of work to do to keep up with her boundless energy and relentless work ethic. A quick look at her jam-packed schedule of events gives a window into the PRESIDENT SEBASTIÁN PIÑERA, SEÑORA PIÑERA, life of a dedicated ocean hero. DR. LAMY PASCAL, AND FORMER COSTA RICAN PRESIDENT JOSE MARIA FIGUERAS AT THE CHILEAN Throughout the year, Dr. Earle gave more than 100 talks ANTARCTICA STATION. in 15 countries and 16 U.S. states and presentations at dozens of conferences including the National Geographic Dr. Earle’s most recent publication “Extreme Ocean” takes Explorers Week, the Bloomberg Economic Forum in NY, kids on a journey through the ocean’s depths, where they the Ocean Summit on Necker Island, the COP25 Climate can discover some of the © TODD BROWN Conference in Madrid, Spain, the Lisbon Peace Conference, most outrageous aspects the UBS Conference in London, the Earth Observatory at of the deep blue, along with NTU in Singapore, and with Ocean Geographic in Beijing, current ocean conservation Shanghai, and Chengdu, China. challenges and what they can do to help. Dr. Earle received 9 distinguished awards and 2 honorary degrees which now total 33, she was profiled by PBS and National Geographic in their “Woman of Impact” campaign, and she was published in 9 journals.

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THE NEXT DECADE: DIVING INTO THE FUTURE

When pondering the fate of our planet, we have the power of choice. We can choose to assist in its restoration, or we can stand by and let As we look together into the next decade, despite the continuing decline of the ocean due to climate change, natural systems decline. oxygen depletion, overfishing, plastic pollution, habitat loss, and the alarming loss of species, we still have hope.

The Laws of Nature govern climate, weather, temperature, We have built a foundation of partners and created a Mission Blue is answering the call to use all means and other factors that shoulder the stability of Ecosystem powerful ring of Hope Spots around the world. Mission Blue necessary to create a network of global marine protected Earth and therefore our existence in an otherwise empowers individuals, communities, and other stakeholders areas — Hope Spots — large enough to restore and extremely hostile universe. We can see, smell, hear, to take action in ocean protection. save the ocean, the blue heart of the planet, for future touch, and taste the consequences of complacency and generations. Mission Blue has been ready since its inception to scale indifference. up our Hope Spots Program. Our goal is to build further capacity and leverage our incredible progress over the Now, as never before, past decade, together with our global partners, and realize a truly meaningful increase in ocean protection the world needs a network of Hope. for the planet: 30% ocean protection by 2030. Maybe, as never again. Now is the time to act to reverse the damage brought about by those who have exceeded the limits of what natural systems can yield. A viable world for humankind requires a viable world for the natural systems that underpin our existence. We cannot return to a world as it was eons ago, but decisions taken now will determine how habitable the planet will be ten as well as 10,000 years in the future.

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MISSION BLUE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Sylvia Earle, Ph.D., Shari Sant Plummer Dan Laffoley, Ph.D. Shannon O’Leary Joy Carl Gustaf Lundin Robert Nixon President and Chairman

Linda Glover Sharon Kwok John Vermilye Will Travis Phyl Clempson Gabrielle McGee

EMERITUS Jenifer Austin Gigi Brisson Meg Caldwell Erik Gordon John Hanke Daryl Hannah Michael Holland Ann Hurley Ann K. Luskey Greg MacGillivray Jim Toomey

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HOPE SPOT SCIENTIFIC ADVISORY COUNCIL

Dr. Sylvia Earle Dan Laffoley, Ph.D. Carl Gustaf Lundin Kathy Walls

Rili Djohani Sandra Bessudo Kristina Gjerde Dr. Lance Morgan

EMERITUS William Kostka Dr. Claudio Campagna

Dr. Ameer Abdulla Dr. Sebastian Troëng Dr. Arthur Tuda Sabine Jessen Dr. David Obura

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MISSION BLUE STAFF

Sylvia Earle, Ph.D. Laura Cassiani Kip Evans Deb Castellana Founder Executive Director Director of Expeditions & Photography Director of Strategic Partnerships

Brett Loveman Shannon Rake Susan Racanelli Maximilian Bello Director of Communications Hope Spots Program Manager Director of Development Advisor, Global Ocean Policy

Avrah Baum Amanda Townsel Huntley Penniman Robin Metoxen Sean Malloy Communications Strategist Communications Consultant Communications Consultant Office Manager Digital Content Manager

Courtney Mattison Carolina Dratva Jonathan Knowles Charlotte Vick Special Projects Consultant Development Consultant Science & Exploration Fellow Advisor

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“THE NEXT FIVE YEARS MAY BE THE MOST IMPORTANT IN THE NEXT TEN THOUSAND FOR OUR PLANET. THERE ARE PLENTY OF REASONS FOR HOPE, YET EVERY DAY, DOORS OF OPPORTUNITY CLOSE. WE KNOW WHAT TO DO. NOW IS THE TIME TO ACT.”

DR. SYLVIA A. EARLE

FISK JOHNSON, AVI KLAPFER AND DR. SYLVIA EARLE DIVING WITH THE DEEPSEE SUB GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS, ECUADOR © KIP EVANS, MISSION BLUE COVER: WHALE SHARK, MALPELO © KIP EVANS, MISSION BLUE We hope you will join us. AR 2019

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Mission Blue/Sylvia Earle Alliance P.O. Box 6882 Napa, California 94581 (707) 492-6866 mission-blue.org