By Matt Coomer, Marine Conservation Institute Communications Coordinator
For many travelers, blue parks filled with lush reefs and colorful fish are the ideal destination. In our age of greenwashing, though, how can anyone know if a spot lives up to its eco-promises? Thankfully, there is one way: Marine Conservation Institute’s Global Ocean Refuge System (GLORES, pronounced “glories”). Global Ocean Refuge awards are only given to areas that meet strict standards for ocean protection and health. GLORES takes the work out of finding sustainable ocean sights and lets travelers focus on planning their trip. After all, who doesn’t need more time to find the best underwater camera?
For scuba aficionados, Colombia’s GLORES award-winning Malpelo Fauna and Flora Sanctuary is a dream come true. It’s the biggest blue park that bans fishing in the Eastern Tropical Pacific Ocean, and exotic creatures thrive beneath its waves. Malpelo is centered around an underwater ridge with cliffs and tunnels that could excite divers on its own, though most will be too busy admiring the wildlife. From migrating humpback whales to famously massive shark aggregations, the Sanctuary supports complete ecosystems from apex predators on down. Hundreds of fish and mollusk species live throughout Malpelo, giving it near limitless sights for explorers. Due to its currents and waves, visitors must have Advanced Open Water Certification and be with a local lead diver to see the Sanctuary. Check out the Colombian National Natural Parks Administration to learn more about diving Malpelo.
On the other side of the Pacific, the Philippines’ Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park won a GLORES award for protecting healthy reefs that astound divers and snorkelers alike. It is home to over 1,200 marine species and covers 38 square miles in the Coral Triangle, an area believed to be the global center of marine biodiversity. This abundance has earned Tubbataha numerous best dive site awards and tourism plays a key role in its success: entrance fees to the park provide essential management funding and support education and development projects in local communities. When travelers visit Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, they help the blue wonders around them. Visit the Tubbataha Management Office to learn more about exploring this living treasure.
Malpelo and Tubbataha, as well as Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument in Hawai’i, earned Global Ocean Refuge awards for their outstanding commitment to safeguarding marine wildlife. As other blue parks earn GLORES awards, divers will have a growing list of stellar destinations that protect the wonders of the sea. The nomination period for our 2018 awards is open, so please let us know about other marine reserves that deserve recognition. The more GLORES grows, the more travelers will have an easy way to support ocean protection as they visit the best blue parks.
Watch this new video, courtesy of our friends at Shoots Media, to learn more about the 2017 GLORES award winners. Donate today to support the Global Ocean Refuge System and its international mission.
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