The ocean connects us all, yet those working to protect it too often remain isolated. From researchers in Antarctica to policymakers in Washington, D.C., from coral gardeners in Thailand to Navy officers at sea, conservation takes many forms, covers countless issues, and focuses on so many species, they haven’t even all been discovered yet. Despite our shared mission, these efforts often remain siloed, disconnected in ways that limit their collective impact.
Look at the banner photo above- what are the chances that these individuals would ever end up in the same room? Zero. But what is the one thing they all have in common? SEVENSEAS.
It’s easy to assume that the greatest challenge in ocean conservation is funding. Others may argue that the problem is technology, policy, or government support. But even if a single person or organization had unlimited funding, they would still only be addressing one piece of a massive, interconnected puzzle. Someone could dedicate every resource to establishing marine protected areas, but MPAs alone won’t solve ocean acidification, sedimentation, warming, whale strikes, plastic pollution, or the countless other threats facing our seas. Even if 30% of the ocean were protected by 2030, we would still face unsustainable fishing, deep-sea mining, and biodiversity loss beyond those borders. No matter what someone considers the biggest roadblock in ocean conservation, it will always be just one fragment of a much larger, more complex system. The real issue is that no solution exists in isolation, and no single effort can address the full scope of challenges the ocean faces.
The solution lies in open-access networks like SEVENSEAS. We are not traditional media, and we do not push a singular agenda. Instead, we serve as a conduit for connection- a two-way street where ocean conservationists from across the world can share their knowledge, opportunities, and stories. We collect and distribute job postings, funding opportunities, and announcements. We highlight the voices of those who may never be published in National Geographic or Nature but who are making an undeniable impact in their own communities. With an audience of over 34,000 conservationists, policymakers, artists, students, and professionals worldwide, we ensure that a researcher in the Philippines can learn from a diver in the Caribbean, and that a high school student in Vanuatu has the same access to conservation knowledge and opportunities as a policymaker in Washington, D.C.
Do you think if that teenager from Vanuatu got ahold of an email address for someone at the EPA, they would get a response? Maaaaaybe not. But when both are part of the SEVENSEAS community, their stories are told, their voices amplified, and their ideas shared. We strive for diversity- not just in backgrounds but in disciplines. We actively seek out underrepresented voices, indigenous knowledge, and individuals at all academic or career levels. We don’t just report on conservation- we make conservationists visible to one another.
At a time when government funding for environmental initiatives is being slashed and short-term economic interests are prioritized over sustainability, independence is more crucial than ever. SEVENSEAS remains independent. We are not bound by political cycles or corporate sponsors dictating our focus. We provide education, resources, and opportunities that reach the conservationists who need them most.
Attending a coral reef conference is valuable. So is networking at Capitol Hill Ocean Week or attending a brown bag lunch at Conservation International. But these gatherings, while important, still exist within their own circles. Familiar names and familiar faces. Rarely do the artists meet the scientists, the government officials meet the free divers, the indigenous leaders meet the naval officers, or the researchers collaborate with the fishermen on the opposite side of the globe. And yet, it is only together, by sharing knowledge, learning from past mistakes, and leveraging the full spectrum of expertise, that we can move forward.
SEVENSEAS is the knowledge hub that bridges these gaps. Our work is more important than ever. Support us, tell your story, and invite friends and colleagues to join our community. The larger our network, the bigger our impact.
Giacomo Abrusci, Executive Director, SEVENSEAS Media
Authors note: In case you needed a clear reminder—this is YOUR formal invitation to contribute. Contact us here. Share your story. Feature your work or that of your organization. Because the ocean belongs to all of us, and its conservation depends on all of us working together.