Join us in welcoming Susan McGarvey to the Waitt Institute as the Law and Policy Director. Susan brings over two decades of experience advising senior leaders on complex ocean and geopolitical challenges to her role at the Waitt Institute. As the Law and Policy Director, she drives the work supporting partners in developing and implementing legally binding ocean protection frameworks, Marine Spatial Plans, and sustainable ocean policies. She has a strong track record in devel

Together, we’ve achieved meaningful progress towards our shared goals and are grateful for the collaboration that has made it possible. We look forward to building on this momentum to advance sustainable ocean management in 2026 and beyond. Samoa Adopted a Landmark Marine Spatial Plan In June 2025, Samoa became one of the first Pacific nations to legally adopt a Marine Spatial Plan, fully protecting 30% of its ocean and sustainably managing 100% of its marine territory. The P

Port Vila, Vanuatu — 13 November — The Government of the Republic of Vanuatu has passed the Ocean Act, a landmark piece of legislation that formally restores authority over coastal waters to traditional leaders and the communities who depend on ocean resources most. This act lays the foundation for sustainable economic growth, food security, and long-term national prosperity. The Ocean Act calls for the development of a national roadmap for Vanuatu’s ocean, ensuring every c

Scientists have discovered that even highly migratory species like tuna and other large pelagic fish consistently return to the same ocean hotspots to spawn year after year, highlighting critical areas that can be safeguarded from extractive practices through ocean management practices like the designation of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), targeted fishing closures, and effective ecosystem-based fisheries management. This study shows that the benefits of spawning in areas w

Join us in welcoming Cooper Roberts to the Waitt Institute as a Blue Economy Manager. In this role, Cooper will support the Waitt Institute’s partner countries in developing and implementing sustainable Blue Economy strategies that promote equitable growth, ocean stewardship, and community wellbeing. He brings over a decade of experience managing international development and economic inclusion programs across Sub-Saharan Africa, Central America, and Asia, with a focus on bu

Written by Adriano Quintela, Blue Azores Program Marine Spatial Planning Specialist We need to change the narrative around Marine Protected Areas because the language we use shapes the decisions we make. When MPAs are framed as “costs,” they are seen as optional expenses that compete with other budget priorities. But when we present them as “investments,” we acknowledge their power to generate long-term economic, social, and environmental returns. This shift in mindset moves

Nice, France (9 June, 2025) — Ocean leaders from around the world convened at the third Blue Prosperity Leaders Forum to celebrate successes and explore pathways for implementing marine protection. Hosted by the Waitt Institute, the high-level event welcomed over 40 government officials and technical and philanthropic partners that are on the leading edge of sustainable ocean management. The Forum includes senior representatives from the Azores, Bermuda, the Federated States

Samoa becomes one of the first Pacific nations to legally protect 30% of its ocean, ahead of the 2025 UN Ocean Conference.​​​​​​​​​​​​​ (Apia, Samoa — June 4, 2025) — Samoa became one of the first Pacific Island nations to adopt a legally binding Marine Spatial Plan — a milestone step to fully protect 30% and ensure sustainable management of 100% of its vast 120,000-square-kilometer ocean territory. The adoption of the plan under the Lands, Survey and Environment Act 1989 was

Azores Marine Protected Area Network Secures Support for Implementation

In 2024, Blue Prosperity partners around the world led by example in advancing sustainable ocean management for a healthier ocean, thriving communities, and a brighter future. Highlights from this year include: The Azores established the largest Marine Protected Area network in the North Atlantic In October, the Azores established a network of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), protecting 287,000 km² of the archipelago’s ocean and creating a sanctuary for nature such as sharks, f

Olivia Grace Barnes joined the Waitt Institute as a Communications Intern and has now transitioned to the role of Communications Fellow. In this role, she supports the design, video, and content production initiatives at the Waitt Institute as well as general communications for the organization. As a swimmer and certified diver, Olivia has had a longstanding passion for the ocean and desire to protect it. She developed an interest in exploring the interactions between humans

SAMOA RELEASES PLAN TO FULLY PROTECT 30% AND SUSTAINABLY MANAGE 100% OF ITS OCEAN BY 2030 Nine new fully protected MPAs will be established under Plan, launched at Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting Hon. Toeolesulusulu Cedric Schuster (Samoa’s Minister of MNRE), Cherie Prothro-Shea (Waitt Foundation), and Dr. Richard Jeo (Conservation International) at the launch of Samoa's Marine Spatial Plan. At the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Apia, Samoa, Samo

24 October 2024—Apia, Samoa - Created by and for the people of Samoa, the Marine Spatial Plan will support the sustainable management of Samoa's 120,000 square kilometer Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) to bolster ocean health and support sustainable economic development. Hon. Toeolesulusulu Cedric Schuster, Samoa’s Minister of Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Cherie Prothro-Shea, Managing Director of the Waitt Foundation, Dr. Richard Jeo, Senior Vice President, As

AZORES PROTECTS 30% OF ITS SEA TO ESTABLISH LARGEST MARINE PROTECTED AREA NETWORK IN NORTH ATLANTIC The Azores has created the largest Marine Protected Area network in the North Atlantic, protecting 287,000 square kilometers. Congratulations to the people of the Azores for this historic milestone and all who have contributed. The Azorean Sea, an area of almost 1,000,000 km², represents 55% of Portuguese waters and approximately 15% of European waters. Within the 30%, half is

Ponta Delgada, Azores, Portugal - As the world prepares for the UN Biodiversity Conference (CBD COP16), the Autonomous Region of the Azores has passed groundbreaking legislation designating the largest marine protected area network in the North Atlantic. This historic decision safeguards 30% of the sea surrounding the Azores archipelago, covering 287,000 square kilometers, half of which is fully protected, where no extraction of natural resources takes place. The other half

Dr. Shaistha Mohamed has joined the Waitt Institute as its new Stakeholder Engagement Manager under the Marine Spatial Planning team.

Fathimath Nistharan (Nisthu) has joined the Waitt Institute as Marine Spatial Planning Manger.

Nuku'alofa, Tonga, 30 August 2024 - After nearly a week at sea, the Uto ni Yalo (UNY) arrived in Tonga for the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting (PIFLM53). Greeted by difficult ocean conditions, including shifting winds and ocean swells, the crew overcame many challenges to deliver a message of peace, prosperity, and resilience. This historic sail from Fiji to Tonga symbolized the values of a resilient Pacific through the revival of traditional voyaging, sustainable

John Kaitu’u has joined the Waitt Institute as a Marine Spatial Planning Technical Manager. In this role, he will assist partners in mapping

Suva, Fiji, [16 August 2024] — After nearly a decade, the Uto ni Yalo (UNY) is once again embarking on a momentous international voyage on Sunday with its sights set on Tonga — voyaging as an Ambassador of Pacific goodwill to the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting (PIFLM53). The UNY and its sister vessels from across the region have long stood as symbols of the Pacific’s resilience, promoting traditional voyaging and sustainable sea transport and advocating for the he