A Collaboration for Ocean Conservation & Conscious Exploration
Oceanic Global and Edges of Earth have joined forces to create a compelling educational content series that deepens humanity’s connection to the Ocean. This collaboration blends Oceanic Global’s mission-driven approach with Edges of Earth’s expertise in impact storytelling to raise awareness about Ocean conservation, sustainable travel, and the cultural significance of marine ecosystems.
Through immersive storytelling, this collaboration shines a light on the ancient wisdom of coastal communities, the urgency of ecological preservation, and the profound cultural connections that tie humanity to the sea. By blending science, tradition, and adventure, we aim to inspire a global audience to see the ocean not just as a resource, but as a living, breathing entity that sustains life on Earth.
Join us as we embark on a journey across the Blue Planet—diving deep into untold stories, uncovering solutions for a sustainable future, and sparking action to protect our ocean for generations to come.
Over the past year and a half, the Edges of Earth expedition has traveled across the globe, driven by a singular, powerful question: what is life like on the fringes, the outliers, the most remote and interesting places on Earth? This question emerged after countless hours spent on dive expeditions over six years, exploring some of the planet’s most untouched corners. In these far-flung places, remarkable stories of resilience and ingenuity were uncovered—tales of people who have found ways to live in harmony with nature, preserving the ecosystems that sustain them. More often than not, these stories seem to be overshadowed by the noise of modern life. Yet the wisdom unearthed through them offers valuable insight into what it means to coexist with the natural world in its rawest form.
Exploring the Edges of Earth. Photo Credit: Marla Tomorug
From coral reefs humming with life to ancient kelp forests, and from glacier-fed ice caves to vast underground river systems, these destinations from the global expedition showcase Earth’s most authentic and greatest hits. Yet, they also expose a sobering reality: many of these ecosystems are under threat from human activity. The more remote the location, the more apparent the fragility of the bond between humanity and nature becomes.
These journeys to the “edges” grant an unparalleled privilege—to witness the beauty of these places that still remain and the symbiotic relationships that exist between people and their environment. These ecosystems each have communities acting on their behalf as custodians, viewing nature not as a backdrop to life but as a partner in survival. In these places, guardians take only what they need, nurture the resources they rely on, and work tirelessly to maintain a balance that modernity often forgets.
But reaching the edges of Earth isn’t merely about traveling to the planet’s outermost corners or ticking destinations off a list. It’s a mindset. It’s about exploring consciously, driven by curiosity and purpose. It means embracing the unfamiliar, listening to local wisdom, and learning from the ways guardians interact with their surroundings. Whether in the heart of a thriving epicenter or on an isolated island, this mindset encourages a reevaluation of how we live, travel, and give back to the places that give us so much.
Diving some of the farthest corners of Earth—Matanuska Glacier, Alaska. Photo Credit: Adam Moore
Among those explored, a few stand out as examples of what’s possible when humanity and nature harmonize. These places, and their keepers, offer a glimpse into a future where balance is not just an ideal but a way of life.
TETAPARE, SOLOMON ISLANDS
Tetepare Island, situated in the Western Province of the Solomon Islands, is one of the last wild spaces. Spanning over 120 square kilometers of dense rainforests, mangroves, and rugged coastline, it’s the largest uninhabited island in the South Pacific. And with that, it holds a mysterious past. Approximately 150 – 200 years ago, its original inhabitants—warriors with their own language and culture—abandoned the island in a mass exodus. While the exact reasons remain speculative, theories range from disease and famine to ancestral beliefs tied to “sea devil magic.” Today, Tetepare is protected by the Tetepare Descendants’ Association (TDA), a group of descendants now residing on nearby islands, such as Rendova, who are dedicated to preserving their ancestral land and its surrounding seas.
Meeting the TDA on Tetepare. Photo Credit: Adam Moore
The TDA was formed in response to aggressive exploitation by international logging companies targeting the Solomon Islands for its rich tropical timber, with Tetepare firmly on the list. With deforestation decimating the region, a small group of passionate descendants came together to secure legal ownership of Tetepare, shielding it from logging, commercial fishing, and other resource extraction. Conservation work by the TDA includes monitoring no-take marine zones and studying the island’s remarkable wildlife, including a stable coconut crab population—a stark contrast to its decline worldwide.
Recognizing that sustainable protection of Tetepare must also benefit its people, the organization launched a scholarship program two decades ago to support members with school fees. Each year, TDA provides at least 60—and when funding allows, up to 100—high school and university scholarships, ensuring that even those in remote areas who cannot directly benefit from ecotourism or conservation work have access to education. By investing in future generations, TDA strengthens the connection between people and place, reinforcing the value of preserving Tetepare for years to come.
Learning how the TDA respects their home. Photo Credit: Marla Tomorug
Tetepare is a prime example of how human ingenuity, willpower, determination and urgency were able to secure the fate of one island. Because of these guardians, the island currently serves as a vital hub for scientific research and environmental study, offering critical insights into the terrestrial and marine ecosystems of the region. This work generates necessary income for the TDA and fosters collaboration with international researchers, advancing global understanding of biodiversity and conservation—not only in the Solomons, but worldwide. By blending local stewardship with global partnerships, the TDA has created a model of coexistence that balances ecological preservation with sustainable development. Tetepare survived the fight against external pressures then, and continues to do so now, keeping its place as the last true wild in the country.
KOH SURIN ISLANDS, THAILAND
In Thailand’s Surin National Park, the Moken community—an Indigenous group with centuries-long ties to the sea—offers another example of resilience. Over 4,000 years, the Moken lived as sea nomads traveling around the borders of Thailand and Myanmar. However, after being relocated by government authorities following the 2004 tsunami, they now face challenges of sedentary life. This drastic transition from their roots has exposed them to economic hardship, cultural erosion, and the pressures of modernity. Despite these obstacles, the Moken continue to push on with their deep respect for nature, sustaining themselves through traditional practices like freediving, spearfishing for sustenance, as well as crafting and music—all while navigating the complexities of integration into Thai society.
The Moken people are sea nomads. Photo Credit: Marla Tomorug
Key to the preservation of their culture is the work of Andaman Discoveries, led by Bodhi Garrett and Tui Chomphusri. This social enterprise bridges the gap between the Moken’s traditions and the modern world through sustainable tourism and community development programs. Visitors that come into the National Park can engage with the Moken, as long as they are open and willing to understand their way of life. Learning to weave with recycled materials, exploring medicinal plants, and participating in traditional spearfishing demonstrations is what keeps the Moken traditions alive. Meanwhile, the accompanying nonprofit, the North Andaman Network Foundation, empowers the Moken to protect their environment, pursue education, and manage sustainable initiatives like mangrove planting and marine plastics recycling—which is only possible through tourism and donor dollars.
A Moken elder recapping what life was like living on the sea. Photo Credit: Marla Tomorug
Living among the Moken is humbling and one of the most confronting ways of understanding how people once truly lived in balance with the sea. The Moken elders’ bond with their natural world and ongoing determination to preserve their cultural heritage is powerful, leaving a lasting mark on those who experience it. And this was one of the first times on expedition that the positive benefits of conscious tourism were clear—the kind that directly supports the Indigenous community’s efforts to sustain their ancient ways of life.
MANNAR, SRI LANKA
The coastal community of Mannar in northwest Sri Lanka uses fishing as both a livelihood and a way of life. Historically, the fisherfolk here practiced sustainable methods, taking only what was necessary and fostering a connection with the sea—understanding its rhythms, movements and seasonal shifts. However, modern challenges, including overfishing, environmental degradation, and illegal bottom trawling, have threatened these practices. Bottom trawling, particularly by Indian vessels, not only depletes fish stocks but also damages critical marine ecosystems, exacerbating tensions between the communities and putting the livelihoods of Mannar’s traditional fisherfolk at huge risk.
Traditional Mannar fishing boat coming back from sea at 5am. Photo Credit: Marla Tomorug
Amidst these challenges, organizations like the Lanka Environment Fund (LEF) and its MARESSOL initiative are stepping in to address critical issues such as abandoned fishing gear and marine pollution. By collaborating with local communities, policymakers, and environmental groups, MARESSOL aims to promote sustainable fishing practices and improve the management of these critical marine ecosystems that are used for survival by Mannar’s communities. Traditional fisherfolk, like 75-year-old P.S. Kurus Thaaluvadu, told us about preserving time-honored practices like net repair and rhythmic teamwork on the shores every morning at 4:00am that reflect their connection to the Ocean and the fish themselves.
Meeting 75-year-old P.S. Kurus Thaaluvadu, learning about life on the water. Photo Credit: Marla Tomorug
The contrast between traditional and commercial fishing practices in Mannar was challenging to witness. While the traditional fisherfolk welcome outsiders with open arms to learn about their practices, the commercial fishing operations tend to be closed off and secretive, as if they knew just how destructive their practices truly were. While the traditional fisherfolk work collaboratively to maintain their heritage, commercial operations focus solely on profit, often contributing to overfishing and habitat destruction. Efforts like those of LEF are crucial to ensuring a sustainable future for the Gulf of Mannar’s biodiversity and the communities that rely on it, offering hope that cultural traditions and marine ecosystems can coexist among modern change.
GOING TO THE EDGES
Circumnavigating the world reveals just how deeply humanity and nature are intertwined. Across the planet, frontline communities navigate the thin balance between preserving their ecosystems and ensuring their own survival. While their methods vary by culture and place, one universal thread unites them: respect.
Uncovering symbiosis between humans and nature on the very edges—Isle of Skye, Scotland. Photo Credit: Marla Tomorug
Local stewards of land and sea understand that without their natural resources, there is no life. This profound respect fosters unwavering commitments to preservation, often with very limited resources. Stories rooted in traditional knowledge and community-based solutions inspire hope, demonstrating that coexistence is possible—even amid widespread environmental challenges. These examples remind humanity that a sustainable future is within reach if the values that have guided generations are reconnected with modern practices.
The “edges” are defined not only by natural beauty but by the determination of their ancestral stewards. The descendants of Tetepare, the nomadic Moken, and the fisherfolk of Mannar epitomize resilience. Even in the face of modern challenges like climate change, overfishing, and cultural erosion, they show that symbiosis with nature is not just possible—it is essential. Their efforts urge a rethinking of humanity’s relationship with the natural world—not as something to conquer or consume, but as a partner in survival, deserving of care and advocacy. These communities offer a vision of a more connected and balanced world.
Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are critical tools in the fight to conserve Ocean ecosystems, protect marine biodiversity, and sustain the livelihoods of communities that depend on the sea. Yet, the effectiveness of MPAs hinges not only on their designation but on how well they are managed and enforced. Creating a protected area is a significant first step, but it takes robust planning, resources, and long-term commitment from governments, scientists, and local communities to ensure these areas fulfill their potential. Globally, less than 3.5% of the Ocean is currently under some form of protection, and within that fraction, only a small percentage are no-take zones—where extraction and destruction are fully prohibited.
Working closely with Marine Conservation Institute, the Edges of Earth Expedition team has explored some of the most successful MPAs on the planet to better understand what makes them work. As pioneers in global marine conservation, Marine Conservation Institute is not only leading the charge in creating a worldwide system of highly protected Blue Parks but also maintaining the Marine Protection Atlas, the most comprehensive database of MPAs worldwide. The Blue Parks title has been awarded to some of the best managed and enforced MPAs like Chumbe Island in Zanzibar, Tanzania, and the Revillagigedo Archipelago off Mexico’s Baja California Sur—places that typify the potential of well-established and well-managed marine refuges.
Diving Revillagigedo Archipelago’s Socorro Island. Photo Credit: Andi Cross
Throughout the journey around the world and back, Edges of Earth has also found emerging sites with immense potential to become future climate refuges. These up-and-coming areas are often at the heart of innovative research, grassroots conservation efforts, and community-led initiatives aimed at preserving biodiversity in the face of a changing planet. Recent travels have taken the team to places like the newly created marine park spanning Cocos and Christmas Islands, to the oyster restoration efforts happening in Scotland, and to the shark-tagging initiatives in La Paz, Mexico. Each of these sites represents a critical opportunity to expand marine conservation efforts globally and foster a sustainable future for the Ocean.
ARGYLL, SCOTLAND
Scotland’s landscapes, often shrouded in mist and steeped in a complex history of extraction, bear the marks of centuries of human activity. Once home to vast temperate rainforests and thriving marine ecosystems, much of its natural heritage has been lost to deforestation, farming, and overfishing. Native oyster beds, once abundant in Scotland’s waters, were harvested nearly to extinction, leaving a critical gap in the ecosystem. Yet, along the tranquil shores of Loch Melfort in Argyll, the Kilchoan Melfort Trust (KMT) is working to reverse this. Dedicated to rewilding and marine conservation, KMT is restoring Scotland’s ecological balance and transforming this corner of the country into a safe haven.
Oyster restoration work with Marnik Van Catuer of KMT. Photo Credit: Adam Moore
Central to KMT’s work is its oyster restoration program, which focuses on reintroducing the native European flat oyster. Unlike the fast-growing Pacific oysters common in today’s Scottish markets, these native oysters take years to mature but are essential to marine health, filtering up to 240 liters of water daily and creating habitats for diverse marine life. While living onsite at the remote estate, the expedition team saw firsthand how the oysters are raised in a “living laboratory,” nurtured in cages until they are strong enough to be released into historically significant locations. By rebuilding these shellfish reefs, the estate is restoring these lost populations, revitalizing ecosystems and creating long-term biodiversity hotspots. In just a few years, KMT has released over 50,000 oysters, offering a hopeful glimpse into how focused conservation efforts can heal damaged environments.
KMT is working to ensure their estate is a climate refuge. Photo Credit: Andi Cross
KMT has other climate resilience initiatives including seaweed farming, marine mapping, and species-based science. Collaborations with organizations like Tritonia Scientific enable the use of cutting-edge technologies to map seabeds and guide sustainable marine policies. Shark & Skate Scotland is another organization that allows KMT to better understand the critical marine biodiversity within Loch Melfort. This fusion of science and community-driven action positions KMT as a model for ecological restoration. By reconnecting with the region’s natural heritage, the trust is demonstrating how Scotland’s landscapes and seascapes can move from depleted to thriving, offering a blueprint for climate resilience.
CHRISTMAS ISLAND, AUSTRALIA
Learning about the newly established Cocos (Keeling) and Christmas Island Marine Parks, established only in 2022, the expedition team decided it was critical to head to what appears as no more than two tiny specs on the map between Indonesia and Australia. Together, these marine parks span over 744,000 square kilometers, offering protection to some of the Indian Ocean’s most biodiverse ecosystems. Christmas Island, with its steep drop-offs and nearly 75% coral cover, and Cocos, with its tranquil lagoon and 27 islands, face rising climate challenges. Among these is the preservation of the iconic red crabs of Christmas Island, whose migration is a spectacle of nature and a cornerstone of the island’s ecological balance.
Christmas Island is nearly all National Park. Photo Credit: Adam Moore
Every year, over 100 million red crabs embark on a remarkable migration from the dense island forests to the Ocean to spawn. Triggered by the first rains of the wet season, typically in October or November, this event is tightly tied to rainfall patterns and lunar cycles. Males lead the journey to the coast, digging burrows where mating takes place. The females then release tens of thousands of eggs into the Ocean during high tide, timed with the last quarter of the moon. The larvae spend weeks in the Ocean before metamorphosing into juvenile crabs and making their perilous journey back to the forest. This migration sustains the red crab population, while also fueling the marine ecosystem as well, as the eggs and larvae serve as a critical food source for fish and other marine species.
Christmas Island red crab getting ready for migration. Photo Credit: Adam Moore
However, climate change is disrupting this finely tuned process. Unpredictable rainfall patterns are delaying or interrupting the migration, leaving crabs vulnerable to dehydration and exhaustion. Without sufficient rain, the crabs struggle to complete their journey, and risk significant population losses. Changes in Ocean currents also threaten the survival of crab larvae, potentially sweeping them too far from the island or into areas densely populated by predators. Despite these challenges, innovative conservation efforts on the island, led by the Christmas Island National Park team, help safeguard the migration by reducing human-caused fatalities. This is just one of many of the park’s efforts to ensure the islands remain a climate refuge, while other initiatives focus on protecting coral reefs that rank among the healthiest in the world and monitoring key environmental indicators within the MPA.
Coral reefs of Christmas Island. Photo Credit: Adam Moore
At the heart of these initiatives is a community-driven approach, ensuring that conservation aligns with local needs and values. On Cocos, the marine park was established through extensive consultation with Cocos Malay, the native ethnic group of the island, in creating a management plan that reflects their ancestral connection to the sea. Similarly, on Christmas Island, efforts to restore balance in the forests and protect critical marine habitats are intertwined with the islanders’ livelihoods.
LA PAZ, MEXICO
The Gulf of California, once hailed by Jacques Cousteau as the “aquarium of the world,” is a shadow of its former glory today. Decades of overfishing, industrial exploitation, and climate change have left its waters depleted, with species like hammerhead sharks and groupers now rare or absent. Yet, amidst these challenges, La Paz has become a hot spot on the conservation map, largely thanks to the work of Pelagios Kakunjá, led by Dr. James Ketchum.
Shark research with Dr. James Ketchum. Photo Credit: Marla Tomorug
James has spent decades researching sharks, rays, and other pelagic species to inform conservation strategies and advocate for MPAs across the region. His work has already contributed to landmark successes, including the Whale Shark Refuge near La Paz and the expansive Revillagigedo Archipelago MPA. But now, he’s turning his focus to a new vision: creating a “migration corridor” that connects key marine hotspots, including Loreto National Park, Espiritu Santo National Park, and Cabo Pulmo National Park.
But this vision hinges on collaboration with local communities, particularly artisanal fishers who have relied on these waters for generations. Their traditional knowledge is invaluable for identifying critical habitats and designing MPAs that benefit both marine ecosystems and livelihoods. However, this balance is precarious. While many artisanal fishers employ sustainable methods like hook-and-line fishing, others have resorted to destructive practices like gill netting, exacerbating conditions for the already fragile fish populations. Industrial fishing poses an even greater threat, with large-scale operations depleting stocks and wielding outsized influence over fisheries management. James and his team of local fishers tag sharks to collect data off the shores of the remote Isla Partida to better understand how these sharks migrate to the next refuge in Mexico.
Dr. James Ketchum and his team. Photo Credit: Marla Tomorug
Climate change adds another layer of urgency to these efforts. Rising sea temperatures are driving species migrations, altering ecosystems, and causing the death of critical habitats like black corals and sea fans. Yet, through innovative tools like Global Fishing Watch and AI-driven data analysis, James and his team are identifying new conservation opportunities. As he puts it, the Gulf of California is at a crossroads: the choices made today will determine whether this marine haven can recover or continue its decline.
OJOCHAL, COSTA RICA
Then there’s Costa Rica— a place synonymous with ecotourism, a leader in terrestrial conservation that has protected 30% of its land through national parks and reserves. But its marine environments haven’t received the same attention. While 50% of Costa Rica’s waters technically fall into MPAs, less than 1% are fully implemented or actively managed. That gap inspired a visit to Ojochal, a small coastal village on the South Pacific side of the country where Innoceana, a local nonprofit, is working to establish a critical new MPA. This proposed zone would connect Parque Nacional Marino Ballena, Parque Nacional Corcovado, and Reserva Biológica Isla del Cano—creating an essential corridor for biodiversity and conservation.
Costa Rica is home to wild spaces and places. Photo Credit: Marla Tomorug
Innoceana runs science-focused expeditions, launching out of the SCP Corcovado Wilderness Lodge, an eco-partner of the nonprofits. From this remote base, Innoceana ventures to Cano Island, a national refuge moving with marine life. The waters surrounding the island are home to everything from hawksbill turtles to migratory whales passing through on their journeys from Alaska. Their work involves a wide variety of testing and studying, one of which is water quality monitoring. They focus on measuring the effects of agricultural runoff from nearby palm plantations—an issue that impacts both the marine ecosystem and local communities reliant on clean water. They also document the marine life passing through Cano Island’s sites, further bolstering the case for more MPA protection here, and throughout Costa Rica.
The Innoceana team out to sea. Photo Credit: Carlos Mallo
Cano Island is one of Costa Rica’s most biologically rich marine areas, yet it’s not fully protected as a marine park. The efforts of Innoceana and their partners aim to change that, ensuring the island and its surrounding waters receive the protection they urgently need. For travelers, this presents a unique opportunity: to engage directly in conservation through citizen science while experiencing some of the best scuba diving in Costa Rica. Tourism dollars spent on Innoceana’s expeditions directly support their work and the lodge’s sustainable initiatives. While Costa Rica has made huge strides over the decades, there’s still more work to be done—similar to many other hot spots around the world.
A BLUEPRINT FOR THE FUTURE
The stories from these emerging and established MPAs remind us that the fight for Ocean conservation is far from over—but also far from hopeless. From the red crabs of Christmas Island to the oyster reefs of Scotland, and from the shark corridors of Mexico to the biodiversity of Costa Rica, these regions offer a glimpse into what is possible when science, innovation, and community come together. They stand as time capsules of resilience, demonstrating the transformative power of local stewardship and global collaboration.
Diving Cano Island, Costa Rica with Innoceana. Photo Credit: Marla Tomorug
What lies ahead is a collective challenge: to protect and expand these blueprints for climate resilience while fostering sustainable relationships between humanity and the Ocean. The path forward requires urgent action, long-term commitment, and the recognition that every ecosystem, no matter how remote, is interconnected with the health of the planet. These places remind us of the Ocean’s boundless capacity for renewal—but only if given the chance.
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