For 30 years, Marine Conservation Institute has worked to protect the ocean.
Grounded in science and driven by urgency, we identify the ocean’s most important ecosystems, and advocate for their protection.
From establishing a global standard for effective protection through the Blue Park Standard, to building and maintaining the world’s most comprehensive marine protected area database through the Marine Protection Atlas, our work brings clarity, accountability, and credibility to marine conservation worldwide.
What began in 1996 as the vision of one person has grown into a leading voice in the global effort to protect vast ocean areas, including the high seas—working alongside governments, scientists, communities, and coalitions to turn ambition into durable protection.
The challenges facing our blue planet are immense, and progress must move beyond promises toward protection that lasts.
As we mark 30 years of impact, our mission is more urgent than ever.
We are committed to ensuring marine protection is effective, science-based, and built to endure—for the ocean, and for generations to come.
Looking Ahead: The Next Chapter
MPAtlas
The Marine Protection Atlas tracks and evaluates strong global protection, helping nations and the world reach international conservation commitments.
Blue Parks
The Blue Parks program provides the blueprints for effective ocean conservation, incentivizes protected area effectiveness, and unites the ocean’s best protected places and the people who champion them in a strategic network to save life in the sea.
Advocacy
We collaborate with community leaders, policy-makers and technical experts to identify important ocean areas to establish and strengthen protection for vital ocean ecosystems.
What Can You Do?
