The Protectors

The Protectors series reflects the passion of those at the front line of marine biology and tells the story of the challenges we face as we explore the world’s oceans.

With the world’s corals at risk of extinction, scientists are using cutting-edge technology to try to save these planetary treasures. We asked Sir David Attenborough and four other leading thinkers on ocean conservation how they would invest US$1bn to protect the ocean.

Sir David said he would use the money to persuade governments to create an international agreement to protect the ocean.

UN special envoy for the ocean Peter Thomson said he supported proposals to increase the coverage of MPAs to 30% of the ocean by 2030 under the Convention on Biological Diversity.

Marine biologist Dr Susanne Lockhart of the California Academy of Sciences said she would spend US$1bn on scientific research to convince governments of the need for MPAs in areas such as Antarctica.

“The ocean is a global challenge, and we need a global solution,” said Maria Damanaki, global ambassador for oceans at The Nature Conservancy. Zafer Kizilkaya, president of the Marine Conservation Society in Turkey, said the great challenge was not just designating MPAs, but enforcing them. Bans on fishing in MPAs aimed at allowing marine life to recover required money to employ rangers and buy patrol boats, as well as investing in satellite imaging and drone surveillance technology.