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 ocean conservation work worldwide. From the tangible impacts of abrupt policy shifts to the erosion of trust built over decades of international collaboration, these articles highlight the urgent need to defend environmental diplomacy and long-term partnerships in a rapidly changing world.
1. Troubled Waters: The Ocean Foundation Navigates a Policy Storm
This in-depth feature lays out the systemic impact of the 2025 U.S. foreign aid freeze on The Ocean Foundation’s international programs. Spalding explores the legal battles, geopolitical stakes, and institutional consequences of the policy shift—making the case that ocean conservation is critical to U.S. national interests. [Read the full article]
2. 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]