2017Annual Report

Mission

President’s Message

Global Ocean Refuge System ~ GLORES

The Atlas of Marine Protection ~ MPAtlas.org

Securing Protection for Marine Life in U.S. Waters

Safeguarding the High Seas

Financials

Donors

Ocean Guardians

Supporters & Partners

Board of Directors & Staff

Contents1

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The world’s oceans, as vast as they are, as much as they elicit a sense of awe for size and power, they are under siege.

“The Honorable John F. Kerry,

Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and former Secretary of State, United States of America

“

Annual Report 2017 ~ Page 2Page 1 ~ Marine Conservation Institute

Oceans are essential to human survival and prosperity and yet human activities are pushing many marine species toward extinction. The best way to maintain the oceans’ diversity, abundance and resilience is to protect habitats for marine life.

To advance this goal, Marine Conservation Institute has launched the Global Ocean Refuge System (GLORES, pronounced “glories”) to catalyze strong protection for at least 30% of the oceans.

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President’s MessageOur MissionDear Ocean Friends,

To survive and prosper, we all need healthy oceans. Because oceans are the largest ecosystems on Earth, they are our planet’s life support system. Oceans generate half of the oxygen we breathe, absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and moderate our climate. The diversity and productivity of the world’s oceans provide us with necessities for our lives and inspiration for our dreams.

Marine Conservation Institute works to protect our oceans. Our scientists map the deep sea, our analysts track conservation progress in the Atlas of Marine Protection, our advocates campaign for California’s seamounts and to defend our blue parks, and we partner with ocean organizations around the world to recognize and celebrate Global Ocean Refuges. We are on the job and fully engaged to save our oceans for us and future generations.

Our major accomplishments of 2017 include designating the first Global Ocean Refuges, defending our Marine National Monuments, advancing deep-sea conservation with our California Seamounts Coalition partners and supporting ocean conservation globally by providing the most rigorous and up-to-date accounting of marine protection. The total area of ocean protection continues to expand thanks to your support of ocean conservation. On behalf of all of us at Marine Conservation Institute, I want to thank you for your support and belief in us and our mission.

For our oceans!

Lance Morgan, Ph.D.President & CEO

GLOBAL

SYSTEMOcean Refuge

The Global Ocean Refuge System (GLORES, pronounced ‘glories’) aims to safeguard marine biodiversity by assembling a strategic network of effective marine protected areas (MPAs) that includes replicate representation of all marine ecosystems in each biogeographic region and supports ecological spatial connectivity.

GLORES incentivizes the implementation of more effective MPAs by awarding those that meet science-based standards for effectiveness.

With GLORES’ as a guide, we can ensure strong protection for 30% of our marine ecosystem by 2030. In the Global Ocean Refuge System, marine life will be safeguarded from human threats, recover, and thrive again.

MPA Standards

Overwhelming evidence shows that well-placed, well-managed and well-enforced MPAs help marine wildlife populations rebound and flourish, and they renew biodiversity in surrounding areas. GLORES celebrates marine protected areas that are contributing to biodiversity conservation by awarding those that meet GLORES science-based criteria. For more information about GLORES criteria, visit globaloceanrefuge.org/criteria/.

Annual Report 2017 ~ Page 4Page 3 ~ Marine Conservation Institute

2.1 Regulations

2.2 Site Design

& Management

GLORES STATUSEVALUATION

2

3.1 Ecosystem

Representation

3.2 Ecological Spatial

Connectivity

GLORES NETWORK PRIORITIES

3

1.1 Biodiversity

Value

1.2 Effective

Management & Compliance

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

1

The Global Ocean Refuge System (GLORES)

Protected kelp beds of Monterey, California©Joe Platko, GLORES Partner Photographer

GLOBAL

SYSTEMOcean Refuge

In 2017, we officially announced the first Global Ocean Refuges. Representatives from each of the Global Ocean Refuge award winners celebrated this important milestone with us at the 4th International Marine Protected Areas Congress (IMPAC4) in Chile. With our GLORES partners, we celebrated these special places and the people who protect them through media coverage, blogs, and videos highlighting their marine conservation success.

The announcement was the result of our hard work creating science-based criteria for effective MPAs, assembling an international group of marine experts — the GLORES Science Council — and collaborating with MPA managers and practitioners to honor the first round of Global Ocean Refuges. We look foward to adding and celebrating many more Global Ocean Refuges in coming years as we strive to dramatically accelerate the coverage and quality of marine protection.

Learn about GLORES

We created a video to promote the nomination of the next Global Ocean Refuges: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jmYs8AI3WKM

For a more detailed explanation of the GLORES criteria, please visit: https://globaloceanrefuge.org/criteria/

Another video to explain GLORES and how it works is available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RRh6s9G2NHw

Malpelo Fauna & Flora Sanctuary

Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument

Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park

Page 5 ~ Marine Conservation Institute Annual Report 2017 ~ Page 6

Celebrating the First Global Ocean Refuges

There is no greater encouragement and motivation to do better than to be recognized by peers and fellow practitioners. We are proud to work hand-in-hand with the rest of the world to secure our ocean for this and for future generations of humankind.

“

Angelique Songco, Manager

Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, The Philippines

“At the IMPAC4 Award Ceremony From Left to Right: Marine Conservation Institute’s Board Chair David Johns; representing Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument Kalani Quicho & Solomon “Uncle Sol” Kaho’ohalahala; representing Malpelo Fauna & Flora Sanctuary, Julia Miranda; representing Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, Norievill Espana & Lea Avila; Marine Conservation Institute’s Dr. Lance Morgan & Dr. Sarah Hameed

The Atlas of Marine Protection (mpatlas.org) is the foremost resource for global Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) information. MPAtlas.org is a key platform around which conservation groups can organize strategic coalition planning, research and communication. The Atlas diligently assesses MPA efforts and publishes reports on the status of MPAs as nations strive to meet conservation goals (UN Sustainable Development Goals).

We provide near-real time updates on new commitments by posting the location and other details described during announcements made at ocean conferences. No other tool shows what is proposed, what is awaiting actual implementation, and what is officially designated and enforced.

Marine protected areas are important in many ways, and we support them because they:

• Protect entire ecosystems, including habitat and ecosystem function, allowing populations to regenerate

• Conserve biodiversity at three levels: ecosystem, species and genetic

• Safeguard habitats and ecosystems from destructive fishing practices and other harmful human activities and allow damaged areas and ecosystems to recover

• Boost resilience to protect against future changes, such as global warming and ocean acidification

• Offer research baselines established at relatively undisturbed areas that can serve as benchmarks to compare with altered ecosystems to assess human impact and to improve management.

We have rigorously assessed MPA conservation efforts over the last few years as global MPA coverage has more than doubled. The Atlas was featured prominently at IMPAC4 in Chile, and was mentioned in high-profile addresses and proclamations at the 2017 Our Ocean conference in Malta.

There is much work left to reach ocean protection targets. We will continue fighting for strong marine conservation measures, on behalf of ocean wildlife, coastal communities, and future generations.

National Geographic Explorer-In-Residence Dr. Enric Sala presents on the state of marine protection, using MPAtlas benchmarks.

Page 7 ~ Marine Conservation Institute Annual Report 2017 ~ Page 8

The Atlas of Marine Protection (MPAtlas.org)

The Atlas of Marine Protection was featured prominently at the IMPAC4 in Chile.

The deep waters off California’s coast are home to exceptional seamounts, ridges and banks that host diverse marine wildlife and extraordinary geological features. These ancient islands, underwater volcanoes and deep-sea mountain ranges host relatively large concentrations of a variety of species. Some seamounts serve as fueling stations for migratory species like endangered sperm whales, seabirds, sea turtles and sharks. Yet, less than 1% of the federal waters off California are permanently protected.

Along with our partners in the California Seamount Coalition, we continue working on conserving these important ecosystems: http://www.californiaseamounts.org/

National Geographic Society photographer Bryan Skerry visited one of California’s underwater treasures, documented in its February cover story: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/magazine/2017/02/saving-our-seas-president-obama-oceans-conservation/

Page 9 ~ Marine Conservation Institute Annual Report 2017 ~ Page 10

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Securing Protection for Marine Life in U.S. Waters

In April, the Trump administration announced a review of the national monuments and sanctuaries created by Presidents Bush and Obama with an eye towards rolling back environmental protections. We sprang into action with our partners in the National Ocean Protection Coalition and:

• Organized 500+ scientists to support existing protections and oppose damaging cutbacks

• Participated in demonstrations in Washington, D.C.• Analyzed and issued a report on public comments, showing

overwhelming support (99% in favor) for existing marine monuments and sanctuaries: https://blog.marine-conservation.org/2017/08/overwhelming-support-for-marine-monuments-and-sanctuaries.html

• Generated news stories on the importance of marine monuments, including a piece in the New York Times: https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/30/science/trump-zinke-pacific-marine-reserves.html

• Defended the Antiquities Act in Congress from bad legislative changes.

We will continue to focus on protecting our marine national monuments including Papahānaumokuākea, Pacific Remote Islands, and Rose Atoll, from this administration.

Defending Existing Marine MonumentsCalifornia Seamounts

Demostrating in defense of our Marine National Monuments in Washington, D.C.

Deep-sea corals face a growing number of threats, including the extensive physical damage being caused by bottom trawl fisheries. Over the past year, Marine Conservation Institute has partnered with scientists from the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research in New Zealand to model the distribution of vulnerable deep-sea corals throughout the South Pacific Ocean. Mapping where these organisms live helps us advocate for the improved management of fisheries and other commercial industries in the region, helping to safeguard these fragile ecosystems for generations to come. Our results from this work were recently published as a peer-reviewed paper in Frontiers of Marine Science.

Page 11 ~ Marine Conservation Institute Annual Report 2017 ~ Page 12

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Safeguarding the High SeasIdentifying Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems

Rockfish take refuge in a deep-sea coral, an example of a vulnerable marine ecosystem ~ ©NOAA

Marine Conservation Institute is working with the High Seas Alliance to protect the nearly two-thirds of the oceans that is the “high seas” – areas beyond national jurisdictions (ABNJ). After a decade of discussions at the United Nations, the General Assembly agreed in 2017 to begin a new treaty discussion for the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in ABNJ. This is the first global treaty process related to the oceans in over two decades and the only one targeted specifically at the protection of marine biodiversity.

Our team has been supporting this process because we recognize just how large and significant this area is to the health of our planet. As a member of the High Seas Alliance, we are committed to working with nations towards a comprehensive treaty to protect the world’s marine biodiversity. At a time when nations clearly recognize the need to establish MPAs, the high seas are largely neglected. Even after establishing the Ross Sea MPA in Antarctica, less than 1% of the high seas are protected. We will continue to bring our scientific and technical expertise to the process so that marine reserves can be established and thereby ensure the survival of marine wildlife.

Conserving Biodiversity

Mothers teaching their calves on the Silver Banks ~ © Susan Bird | Way of the Whale, GLORES Partner Photographer

EXPENSES 2017 Program Services $ 772,916

Management & Administration $ 144,980

Fundraising $ 150,302

TOTAL EXPENSES $ 1,068,198

Page 13 ~ Marine Conservation Institute Annual Report 2017 ~ Page 14

Financial StatementCalendar Year ending December 31, 2017Unaudited

REVENUES 2017 Grants & Contracts $ 522,055

Contributions $ 175,518 Program Services Fees $ 31,243 Other Revenues $ 13,737 TOTAL REVENUES $ 742, 553

Prior Years’ Funds for 2016 $ 305,325

TOTAL SUPPORT & REVENUE $ 1,047,878

Revenues

Grants & Contracts70%

Contributions24% 4%

Program Service Fees

Other Revenues

2%

Expenses Program Services

72%

Fundraising14%

Management & Administration

14%

Financials

Page 15 ~ Marine Conservation Institute Annual Report 2017 ~ Page 16

Our deepest gratitude to the following individuals, foundations and corporations for their generous support and investment in us for 2017. We acknowledge the individuals listed below and those who wish to remain anonymous.

$100,000 & aboveMarisla FoundationOverbrook FoundationWaitt Foundation

$10,000 to $99,999Ann and Gordon Getty FoundationAnonymousArntz Family Foundationcraigslist Charitable Fund Benjamin C HammettMeredith JamesDavid JohnsKeith Campbell FoundationMoore Family FoundationNaomi and Nehemiah Cohen FoundationGail Osherenko & Oran YoungPaul M Angell Family FoundationNathalie Udo & Thomas WattWinslow Foundation

$1,000 to $9,999Benevity Community Impact Fund John Dawson el Sage Designs DOXA Arizona Ltd DOXA Central LLC Elizabeth Graham Advised Fund Family Trust of Ruth C Detrick InstrumentlShih Chien Kiang & Cathleen Bailey James M Leah FoundationShu Li & Xiping Wu Murray & Jeanie Kilgour

Louis H Magier Amy Mathews Amos Sara Maxwell John & Gloria McManus Pivotal FoundationQuil Ceda Village Tulalip Tribe Burgess Raby Raby Law OfficesWilliam L Raby Matthew Rand Sand Cloud Towels Student Association of Binghamton University Tamaki Foundation Totallee Jonathan Yaqub

$100 to $999Gaby AdamAmazon SmileAnonymous (Multiple)AT&T Employee Giving CampaignVicki AthansJulia BabcockBonnie BahlmannElise BahrClinton BauderElaine BlitzBoeing Employees Community FundYoran BrondsemaElena CavalliKurt CholakHenry CodyRobin CraigJon CurryShelley Di TommasoCaro DratvaDroga5 UK LtdSylvia Earle

Ron EichnerMartin ErikssonTimothy & Mary EvninBert FellowsMargie and Ritch FosterFrederic SaterMaysoun FreijDavid GantzJames & Victoria GatesDavid GoldmanLysbeth & David GordonMichael GravitzDenise GriffingKohanya GroffSarah HameedMaicey HardyCynthia S HarrellJason HenthorneHenthorne Art Photo*Howard HodsonRoss Hoffman & Elsa WaldmanMartha Hoffman & Gary LongCharles HoffmanIn The FlowPaul IversonMarisa JangErica JohansonJoDean JordanElizabeth KawalekAngela KennistonAmanda & Parker Key-WynneRyan KimLeonard KoppRowdy KruseEkaterina KurganovaDana LandisSushiology LLCChristine MansfieldMarin Community Foundation

Jon & Melissa McClintockFabio MelloniJason MitchellShannon & Amy MolloyMichalina MontanoLance & Angela MorganRobert & Lucille MorganCarl Hoffman & Betsy Naumburg Elliott & Irene NorseNuveen Investments, Inc.Olav LarssonSteve OlsonTom & Rogers OlversonJean PalamarMartha & Richard PatrickDouglas PerrinePharaoh C Thompson FoundationGoFormzLois PriceNancy PutnamGeorge ReaDouglas ReedAndrea Robinson The Riggs FamilyKevin RosserJim SaccomannoSebastian SchroederDaniel ShivelyJean ShorettKaren SinclairFrederick SmithJane Snorek Dolin The SparrowsSarah StewartJoel StillmanRichard WeinrothRoark BrewsterCatherine YrisarriShiva & Shawn Zarghama

Our Donors©

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The Ocean Guardians are generous individuals who made an annual donation of $1,000 or more in 2017 to support Marine Conservation Institute’s mission to secure permanent, strong protection for the oceans’ most important places – for us and future generations.

Ocean Guardians

Special Ocean Guardian Legacy Recognition

Page 17 ~ Marine Conservation Institute Annual Report 2017 ~ Page 18

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Jon CurryJohn DawsonJoy Dryden

el Sage DesignsDOXA Arizona LtdDOXA Central LLC

Timothy & Mary EvninMichael Gravitz

Benjamin C HammettMeredith James

Marisa JangDavid Johns

Shih Chien Kiang & Cathleen BaileyMurray & Jeanie Kilgour

Shu Li & Xiping Wu

Louis H MagierAmy & John Mathews Amos

Sara MaxwellJohn & Gloria McManusRobert & Lucille Morgan

Pivotal FoundationTom & Rogers Olverson

Gail Osherenko & Oran YoungBurgess Raby - Raby Law Offices

Matthew RandSand Cloud Towels

Student Association of Binghamton UniversityTotallee

Nathalie Udo & Thomas WattJonathan Yaqub

We are saddened by the loss of these Ocean Guardians who left behind a legacy in support of Marine Conservation Institute’s mission. Even in your absence your legacy lives on.

With our deepest gratitude to William L Raby & Captain Robert V Morgan

Nonprofit Partners:

Canadian Parks and Wilderness SocietyDeep Ocean Exploration and Research

Earth Law CenterGlobal ConservationGlobal Ocean TrustHeirs to Our Oceans

MAREMarine Geomatics Research Lab

MarVivaMission BlueOcean Unite

One World One OceanPacific Environment

SeaLegacySee Why Projects

Shark StewardsSkyTruth

Turtle Island Restoration Network

Travel/Tourism and Ocean Sports Industries

Alaska AirlinesGill

Sand CloudMeaningful Trip

SCUBAPROSeabourn

Un-Cruise AdventuresWildland Adventures

ExpeditionTrips

We are also grateful to the outstanding photographers and videographers who partnered with us:

Clinton Bauder | Metridium FieldsSusan Bird | Way of the Whale

Blue Chalk MediaAndy Brandy Casagrande IV, Emma Johanna Casagrande and Ace Casagrande

David Doubilet and Jennifer Hayes | Undersea Images IncCristian Dimitrius Photography

Daniel FoxKai Matthes Photography

Susan Middleton PhotographyCristina Mittermeier | SeaLegacy

Paul Nicklen | SeaLegacyJoe Platko Photography

Brian Skerry PhotographySee Why Projects

Shoots Media

Their gorgeous work is an important part of our outreach.Page 19 ~ Marine Conservation Institute Annual Report 2017 ~ Page 20

Supporters & Partners©

Dan

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David Johns, JD Chair

Portland State University Adjunct Professor of

Political Science

Nathalie UdoVice Chair / Development

Committee ChairPresident and Founder

In-Depth Strategies

Burgess J.W. Raby, MS Tax, JDTreasurer &

Audit Committee ChairPrincipal

Raby Law Office

Elliott A. Norse, PhDFounder & GLORES Advisor

Marine Conservation Institute

Sylvia A. Earle, PhDNational Geographic,Explorer-in-ResidenceMission Blue, Founder

Les Watling, PhDUniversity of Maine School of

Marine Science Professor of Biological

Oceanography

Catherine YrisarriSee Why Projects Founder

Lance Morgan, PhDPresident and CEO

Marine Conservation Institute

Steve Olson, MSSecretary

Vice President Association of Zoos and Aquariums, Federal Relations

Gail Osherenko, JDGovernance Committee Chair

Independent Filmmaker

James C. Greenwood (Director Emeritus)

Biotechnology Industry Organization

President and CEO

AdvisorMichael SuttonBoard Advisor

Chair of COMPASS & Ocean Champions

Page 21 ~ Marine Conservation Institute Annual Report 2017 ~ Page 22

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Board of Directors & StaffMatt Coomer

Communications Coordinator & Executive Assistant

Samuel Georgian, PhDMarine Biogeographer

Sarah O. Hameed, PhDGLORES Fellow

Russell MoffittAtlas of Marine Protection

Program Manager

Carolina DratvaDirector of Development

Mike GravitzDirector of Policy & Legislation

Joan Inge Director of Finance &

Administration

Beth PikeAtlas of Marine Protection

Data Manager

Vienna SaccomannoDirector of Communications &

Conservation Projects Coordinator

Special Thanks to our Amazing Fellows, Volunteers & Interns

Sandra Brooke, PhDSenior Conservation Fellow

Sara Maxwell, PhDResearch Fellow

Anika AndersonDevelopment Intern

Bernd GeelsPolicy Intern

Emily GoodwinPolicy Intern

Carolyn GrovesGLORES Intern

Adriana GuimanTaproot+ Volunteer

Amanda JohnsonPolicy Intern

Healy Hamilton, PhDSenior Research Fellow

Shelly Magier Conservation Science Fellow

Kaitlin LebonCommunications Intern

Kelly MartinCommunications Intern

Alex MesherMPAtlas Intern

Claire MogrenGLORES Intern

Chathurika ThenuwaraTaproot+ Volunteer

www.globaloceanrefuge.org

Seattle, WA Glen Ellen, CA Washington D.C.

www.marine-conservation.org

MarineProtectionatlas of

mpatlas.org

www.mpatlas.org