National Geographic Pristine Seas

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National Geographic Pristine Seas explores the ocean through science and filmmaking — inspiring the creation of marine protected areas around the world.

10/29/2026

Get this 👉 To find its next meal, a banded sea krait pokes its head into a coral reef's nooks and crannies. This leaves its body and tail exposed to predators looking for a tasty snack.

To counter this, a banded sea krait's tail has identical markings to its head. As it cruises the reef, it twitches its tail, mimicking its head movements. Predators approaching from behind assume the krait is watching them and look elsewhere for prey. 🐍

Photos by Ollie Velasco/National Geographic Pristine Seas

10/28/2026

WASAWASA: Beyond the Reef’s Edge takes viewers on an inspiring journey across Fiji’s vibrant waters. Following a landmark National Geographic Pristine Seas expedition across Kadavu, the Yasawas, Mamanuca, the Great Sea Reef, and the Ringgold Isles in 2025, the documentary reveals the interconnectedness of Fiji's marine ecosystems — from shallow coastal reefs to the unexplored deep sea.

Through powerful local stories, traditional wisdom, and scientific exploration, the film celebrates communities' ocean stewardship and the nation's ambitious commitment to sustainably manage 100% of its ocean and protect 30% of it via fully protected marine areas. Produced by Pristine Seas in collaboration with the Government of Fiji and Blue Prosperity Fiji, the documentary is a testament to the power of partnership between local conservationists, scientists, and leaders.

Stream the full film now at https://on.natgeo.org/3WfvDeL

10/28/2026

A thriving ocean supports a thriving world. In partnership with local communities, governments, and organizations worldwide, Pristine Seas is on a mission to help protect 30% of the global ocean by 2030. To date, these shared efforts have helped establish 31 of the world’s largest marine protected areas, covering 6.9 million square kilometers.

We extend deep gratitude to our funding partners who make this journey possible, including founding sponsor Blancpain, and the Aaron and Catie Enrico Family Foundation, Bezos Earth Fund, Bloomberg Philanthropies, The Campbell Foundation, Disney, Don Quixote Foundation, Google(dot)org, Hydrospace Corporation, LGT Venture Philanthropy, Lindblad Expeditions – National Geographic Fund, Minderoo Foundation, Oracle, Philip Stephenson Foundation, Postcode Lottery Group, Rituals, Tanka Foundation, Ted and Michele Waitt–TTMMC Fund, UBS Optimus Foundation, Walmart Foundation, an anonymous donor, and other individual donors.

Photos by Manu San Félix, Iñigo San Félix, and David Angus Taylor/National Geographic Pristine Seas

10/27/2026

Here’s a glimpse at some of our favorite observations from our remote seabed cameras in Samoa. 🇼🇸 Do you recognize any of the species? Call them out below!

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.

POV: BRUV Episode 21 - Samoa

10/27/2026

Four sharks patiently wait while wrasses meticulously remove parasites and debris from their skin. 🦈

We spotted this cleaning station on a reef in Palau during our 2024 expedition.

Photos by Iñigo San Félix/National Geographic Pristine Seas

10/27/2026

Divers, tell us the absolute coolest thing you've ever seen underwater 🤿

10/26/2026

"This video captures a high-stakes drama on the beach: a direct challenge for dominance," shares Lindsay Young, Pristine Seas' vice president of research, with BBC Wildlife Magazine. The video shows two southern elephant seals on a beach in Península Valdés, Argentina.

"During the breeding season, a single, massive reigning male (called a beachmaster) guards a large group of females," she continues. A younger interloper may "decide he is big enough to match the [beachmaster] and aggressively throws down the gauntlet to take his place."

10/26/2026

«O veleiro Santa Maria Manuela que está a liderar a expedição Madeira Ocean, recebeu a visita de diversas entidades e responsáveis envolvidos nesta iniciativa, que reúne conhecimento científico, cooperação institucional e experiência internacional com o objetivo de aprofundar o conhecimento sobre os ecossistemas marinhos e contribuir para o reforço da sua proteção na Região Autónoma da Madeira», avança o JM Madeira.

«Durante a visita, Eduardo Jesus, secretário regional de Turismo, Ambiente e Cultura, José Soares dos Santos, presidente da Fundação Oceano Azul, Enric Sala, explorador da National Geographic e fundador do programa Pristine Seas, e Rui Caldeira, da Agência Regional para o Desenvolvimento da Investigação, Tecnologia e Inovação (ARDITI), destacaram a importância desta parceria e do trabalho científico para a definição de estratégias de conservação marinha.»

Fotos: Bernardo Aires Oceano Azul Foundation

10/26/2026

in 2024, we dove into the ethereal waters around Tinakula volcano in the Solomon Islands.

"Tinakula is the kind of thing you smell before you see," shared Molly Timmers, expedition lead scientist. "The thick sulfur smell hits your nose long before your eyes can make out what is on the horizon. Suddenly, my eyes gazed upon the ash-lined slopes of this mountain pyramid piercing the water."

"We weren’t sure what to expect in terms of coral cover and benthic composition," she continued. "Tinakula erupted in 2017, which likely damaged the coral and any marine life living nearby. But as we descended, the colors of the underwater world shone. Ash from the volcano blackened the seafloor, creating a stunning contrast with colorful lime green lettuce corals, orange mounding corals, and pink lobed corals. Surprisingly, despite the ash-covered floor, we saw many large, healthy corals."

Photos by Manu San Félix/National Geographic Pristine Seas

10/26/2026

Last week, you all shared your favorite ocean songs. Now let's do ocean books! Share your favorite ocean-based read. 👇🏽

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https://www.nationalgeographic.org/society/our-programs/pristine-seas/

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