“We are slowly, one drop and one species at a time, draining the life out of our oceans.”
As a marine biologist, I’m deeply aware of the crucial role the sea plays in my survival, along with every other living creature on Earth.
Without boring you with a biology lesson, let’s just look at it this way: The ocean produces half of the oxygen you breathe each day. It’s the largest ecosystem on the planet, by a long shot, and it has proven itself to be remarkably resilient over the years — but unfortunately, it’s no match for the onslaught of pollution, overfishing, and other forms of industrial activity we’ve thrown at it.
It’s a scary truth, but one we need to face: We are slowly, one drop and one species at a time, draining the life out of our oceans.
But don’t worry. I have good news to share, too: All over the world, heroes are creating change and mastering innovative solutions. At this very moment, countless creative and brilliant individuals are tackling existential problems for our planet. There’s just one thing they need to save our oceans: money.
According to the United Nations, the ocean requires an investment of almost $180 billion a year to support the creation of blue economies. This money can come from all sources: governments, corporate investments, and, of course, philanthropy. But sadly, at the moment, the annual contributions to this dream stand at a mere $25 billion a year. That might sound like a lot of money, but consider this comparison: The U.S. military budget for a single year is $849.8 billion! That kind of money can be used to run sophisticated communication campaigns that ocean-focused organizations don’t have a chance of competing with.
My partner Paul Nicken and I have both dedicated our lives to defending and improving ocean health — and a large part of that mission requires coming up with smart and meaningful ways to raise level the playing field. As such, we’re proud to have created a particularly special fundraiser, 100 for the Ocean, an annual print sale for World Ocean Day that lasts the entire month. This sale contains work from 100 incredibly talented photographers, who’ve all contributed their artwork to support ocean conservation. Prints of these gorgeous works start at just $100. Our goal is to raise $1 million this year — and with your help, we’re certain we can achieve it.
This year, 100 for the Ocean is benefitting three amazing organizations. The first is Young Ocean Explorers, a New Zealand-based organization that uses storytelling to educate school kids and to bring the next generation closer to the ocean. The second organization is Oceans Initiative, a husband-and-wife superhero team of scientists studying how to protect the biodiversity of the Pacific Northwest, from the beloved Southern Resident orcas to the vitality of wild salmon populations. Finally, the third organization is Coral Gardeners, an inspiring group of young people who are revolutionizing and innovating the art of coral restoration.
100 for the Ocean has chosen to work with SeaLegacy, one of the world’s leading nonprofit expert production brands, co-founded by me, Paul Nicklen, and Andy Mann. SeaLegacy has proven effectiveness in communicating ocean conservation stories and has a robust ability to reach millions of people worldwide. Each recipient will receive media and production support from SeaLegacy, which will shine a global spotlight on their work.
If you buy one of the prints in this fundraiser, you don’t just get a beautiful photographic print to hang in your home, you also get to support these incredible groups, which are fighting daily to protect our oceans for countless generations to come. You can view all of the prints and support ocean conservation through www.100fortheOcean.com
Cristina Mittermeier, Paul Nicklen, and Andy Mann co-founded SeaLegacy in 2014. SeaLegacy’s mission is to inspire people to fall in love with the ocean, amplify a network of changemakers around the world, and catalyze hands-on diplomacy through hopeful, world-class visual storytelling. For more updates on their meaningful work, subscribe to Ripple Effect, Katie Couric Media’s sustainability newsletter.
