National Geographic Pristine Seas

06/11/2026

Congratulations to Enric Sala, National Geographic Explorer in Residence and founder of Pristine Seas, who was presented with the Royal Geographical Society’s 2026 Founder’s Medal for his global leadership in ocean conservation and extensive marine research.

"To receive the Founder’s Medal, with the gracious approval of His Majesty The King, is a profound honour but one that carries an equally significant responsibility: to persist in our mission at Pristine Seas to explore and protect the world’s most vital marine environments," shares Enric.

Congratulations to all of the 2026 Royal Geographical Society award recipients!

Photo courtesy of James Tye/Royal Geographical Society

06/10/2026

"Marshall Islands President Hilda Heine returned from the Island States Ocean Summit in Tokyo and, on World Oceans Day, descended into the deep waters off Majuro aboard a National Geographic Pristine Seas submersible, gaining a rare look at the marine ecosystems the Marshall Islands is working to protect," shares Islands Business.

"The dive, conducted on the ocean side of Ajokla, took place aboard the MV Argo and highlighted the country’s broader conservation priorities at a moment when ocean protection is under global scrutiny."

MARSHALL Islands President Hilda Heine returned from the Island States Ocean Summit in Tokyo and, on World Oceans Day.

06/09/2026

in 2025, we spotted these emperor fish swimming on a coral reef while on expedition in Tuvalu. 🇹🇻

Photo by Manu San Félix/National Geographic Pristine Seas

06/09/2026

"A remote atoll in the western Marshall Islands is showing strong signs of marine recovery after decades without permanent human settlement, according to scientists on a National Geographic Pristine Seas (NGPS) expedition," shares PMN News.

"The team has just left Ujelang Atoll, part of a wider research mission across some of the most isolated waters in the Pacific, which is due to wrap up tomorrow (Saturday) after a landmark field season involving scientists, local navigators and educators."

Photos by Iñigo San Félix/National Geographic Pristine Seas

06/08/2026

The future depends on us. 💙

06/08/2026

When did you first fall in love with the ocean? Tell us the story!🌊

06/08/2026

"We are working with communities and governments around the world to create very large marine protected areas," shares Enric Sala, National Geographic Explorer in Residence and founder of Pristine Seas.

"And in these areas, where we step aside and let the ocean bounce back to life, the recovery is extraordinary. I have seen places that were a disaster - underwater deserts - come back to life and become pristine in just ten years, full of life."

"Ocean with David Attenborough" executive producer and National Geographic Pristine Seas founder Enric Sala discusses the threats to Earth's oceans.

06/08/2026

06/05/2026

POV: BRUV Episode 9 - Giant moray in Papua New Guinea

Our remote cameras spotted this curious giant moray navigating the reef during our scientific surveys in Papua New Guinea.

These powerful apex predators hunt mostly at night, and can reach lengths of 8 feet and weigh over 65 pounds. While their jaw movements look intimidating, it is actually just a natural breathing mechanism to pump water over their gills. Because they rely heavily on complex reef structures for shelter, their survival is increasingly threatened by habitat destruction.

Baited remote underwater video systems (BRUVs) are a scientific surveying tool that uses unmanned high-definition cameras to spot and record species on a reef. In this series, we leave the humans behind and watch what happens.