Oceans and Seascapes - Conservation International

Life in the oceans goes on mostly unseen. But just because we can’t see what goes on "down there" doesn’t mean it’s not critically important to our daily lives. Conservation International has initially identified several marine regions where a few strategic actions can literally make a world of difference.

These critical "Seascapes" extend beyond country boundaries, creating opportunities for governments, multinational corporations, and others to work together to conserve the seas and the diverse marine life that is the lifeline for people living near their shores.

Thinking big – across entire Seascapes – is the best way to save our oceans. By working across three formidable Seascapes, we protect species by conserving entire marine ecosystems for the benefit of all of us, far and wide.

EXPEDITION: In September 2009, scientists traveled to the Phoenix Islands Protected Area of Kiribati to explore the ocean and island coastal biodiversitry including coral reefs, fish, and birds. Dive in to follow the expedition!

The Bird’s Head Seascape

Plunge into the Papuan Bird’s Head Seascape in eastern Indonesia and you’ll be stunned at what lies beneath. Across the seascape live 1,300 types of reef fishes and nearly 600 species of hard corals – not to mention whales, crocodiles, and the crowd favorite: a walking shark.

The Eastern Tropical Pacific Seascape (ETPS)

Dive headfirst off the west coast of Central and South America and you’ll discover the Eastern Tropical Pacific Seascape. Here, GPS and satellite technology allow us to keep a close eye on the turtles, sharks, and other marine life spanning Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, and Ecuador. There are plenty of reasons you should keep a watchful eye on this Seascape too.

The Sulu-Sulawesi Seascape

The Sulu and Sulawesi Seas encompass nearly 900,000 square kilometers in Southeast Asia. The coasts of Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines are home to threatened species including hawksbill, olive Ridley, and green turtles, as well as giant groupers and giant clams.