Enric Sala: A Visionary in Ocean Conservation
Enric Sala, a prominent ocean explorer and former academic, has transformed his career from chronicling the decline of marine life to actively seeking ways to protect it. This shift led him to National Geographic, where he initiated the Pristine Seas project in 2008. Over 15 years, this initiative has resulted in the establishment of 23 marine protected areas (MPAs) covering over 6 million square kilometers, significantly contributing to global ocean conservation.
Sala’s expeditions around the world have deepened his understanding of marine ecosystems, influencing policymakers by demonstrating the critical need for marine conservation. His optimism about the ocean’s potential recovery is evident, as he dreams of inspiring leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping, to appreciate the importance of marine environments.
During a recent expedition to the Pacific and Caribbean waters of Colombia, Sala’s team examined the ecological importance of Malpelo Island and its surrounding underwater environments. Their exploration revealed significant biodiversity, with large deep-sea fish and previously undocumented coral systems. Key findings indicated the importance of underwater ridges as migratory routes for endangered species like hammerhead sharks, connecting various islands and coastlines in the eastern tropical Pacific.
Utilizing advanced tools such as the DeepSee submersible and various remote cameras, Sala’s team documented remarkable marine life, including large schools of hammerhead sharks and unprecedented fish sizes. The data collected directly informed the Colombian government’s initiatives to expand protected zones, including the Malpelo Fauna and Flora Sanctuary and new no-take reserves.
While some Latin American countries struggle with marine protection—like Peru, with only 8% of its waters protected—others, such as Chile, have successfully designated significant no-take areas, demonstrating that marine reserves can benefit fisheries. Sala emphasizes the broader ecological importance of oceans, which provide vital oxygen and regulate climate, underlining the need for urgent action despite economic pressures.
The challenges facing ocean conservation are compounded by deep-sea mining concerns, which could lead to ecological disasters. Sala warns that insufficient understanding of affected ecosystems may exacerbate climate change impacts. Despite progress since the first UN Ocean Conference in 2017, global ocean health has deteriorated in several aspects, including overfishing and pollution.
However, Sala remains hopeful, citing successful conservation efforts in Colombia and Costa Rica as models for other nations. He calls for meaningful action and the replicability of successful marine conservation efforts on a larger scale.
Through his advocacy, Sala urges individuals to vote for environmentally conscious politicians and adopt plant-based diets to alleviate resource strain. He believes that by giving oceans space to recover, they can rebound significantly.
In conclusion, Enric Sala’s work highlights the critical importance of researching and protecting marine ecosystems, as well as the collective responsibility of individuals and governments to safeguard our oceans for future generations.
