In this powerful pair of essays, Mark J. Spalding, President of The Ocean Foundation, offers both a strategic analysis and a deeply personal reflection on the political upheaval currently threatening …
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Strengthening Ocean Conservation Globally by Connecting People, Telling Stories, Sharing Science
Greenpeace USA has issued a strong condemnation of Impossible Metals’ recent application for a deep-sea mining lease in U.S. federal waters off the coast of American Samoa. Framing the move as reckless and desperate, Greenpeace warns that it reflects not a thriving industry, but one in collapse. The organization argues that the proposal is not …
[Read more]Selected Startups to Pitch at EarthX’s 9th Annual E-Capital Summit for $15,000 non-dilutive cash prize. Ocean Exchange Returns to Earthx2025 to Host Blue Economy Pitch Showcase. EarthX has announced the ten semi-finalists for the 2025 EarthX Climate Tech Prize, selected from more than 200 global applicants. These early-stage startup companies span industry sectors including heavy industry/manufacturing, energy, agtech/food, …
[Read more]Navigating Troubled Waters: A Personal Reflection In this heartfelt essay, Mark J. Spalding reflects on four decades of building global trust through ocean conservation—now shaken by abrupt political changes. He shares personal stories, professional grief, and his enduring hope for resilience across communities and ecosystems. [Read the full article] Thriving Antarctic Ecosystems Found in Wake …
[Read more]The Ebiil Society, led by Ann Singeo, works to preserve Palau’s marine habitats while supporting women fishermen in Ngardmau. As part of IUCN Oceania’s Kiwa Initiative, the Ebiil Society is causing concerns in the community with their ingenious method to environmental conservation and sustainable fishing practices. It all started with a straightforward yet impactful concept …
[Read more]By Mark J. Spalding, President, The Ocean Foundation In the vast and interconnected world of marine conservation, few organizations have established themselves as vital to ocean health and American interests as The Ocean Foundation (TOF). Yet since January 2025, this respected institution has been caught in a perfect storm—buffeted by policy shifts, executive orders, and …
[Read more]By Mark J. Spalding, President, The Ocean Foundation Watching the sunset from my deck seems unchanged from last year. The ocean beyond still rhythmically meets the shore, the tide rising and falling as it has for an eternity. Yet everything has shifted. After dedicating four decades to building international trust and partnerships across more than …
[Read more]The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation is proud to announce the opening of registration for Capitol Hill Ocean Week 2024! The Capitol Hill Ocean Week (CHOW) conference will take place in-person in Washington, DC, and on a virtual platform on June 2-5. Thanks to the generous support of our sponsors, the conference is free and open …
[Read more]This article is written by Neil Nachbar. Submissions will be on display at the Art League RI gallery from April 5-27; winning entries will be showcased at URI’s Graduate School of Oceanography thereafter KINGSTON, R.I. – About 300 Rhode Island students in grades kindergarten through 12th grade entered the third biennial “Ocean View” student art …
[Read more]The President of the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron, answers a call for a transformative ocean plan for 2025-2030, ahead of 2025 UN Ocean Conference in France. 70 days before France and Costa Rica co-host the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3), the largest global gathering ever dedicated to the ocean, a global group of thought leaders …
[Read more]Visiting Palau has been one of the most remarkable and affirming experiences of my life. Spending hours in the ocean observing turtles, sharks, rays and a host of other marine species, including cuttlefish changing colour and form to their immediate environment, has proven to be one of the greatest joys and wonders in the world. …
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