Alert Diver Category: Water Planet

Global marine protected wildlife sanctuaries foster ecological protections and growth while also helping boost local economies. Read the stories behind several marine protected areas across the world.

In late 2019 the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and a cadre of state, federal, university, and restoration practitioner partners launched Mission: Iconic Reefs (MIR), a two-phased, 20-year, ecosystem-scale restoration initiative for the Florida Keys that focuses on restoring seven high-value, iconic reef systems.

Sargassum is highly dynamic and continuously circulates between the Sargasso Sea, Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico and Gulf Stream. The floating sargassum vegetation creates a unique habitat for ocean life. Learn more.

Marine protected areas (MPAs) are vital in saving global coral reef populations — and yet, they aren’t completely enough. Read more about the importance of MPAs.

CHARLES DARWIN’S FIVE WEEKS IN THE GALÁPAGOS Islands were crucial to the development of his theory of evolution, likely due to the Galápagos having the world’s second-highest proportion of endemic species. What if Darwin had instead visited the islands with the world’s highest rate of endemism?

Read one diver’s journey into exploring remote ocean habits in an attempt to help protect them. National Geographic teamed up on this endeavor to explore, survey and protect wild seas.

National marine sanctuaries protect natural and cultural features and enable people to use and enjoy the oceans in sustainable ways. Read more about these sanctuaries and how you can enjoy them.

SEAFOOD HAS LONG BEEN AN INTEGRAL PART of the human diet, and some people consider it to be an inexhaustible food source. Fish-finding sonar, satellite locating systems, 100-mile-plus longlines with […]

Plastic debris damages local environments and wildlife. It’s a serious, solvable problem. Learn more about the plastic problem and what you could do about it.

Florida manatees are slowly rebounding, however, they have been urbanized and migrate to places often unsafe. Read more about Florida manatees.