Changing winds

Ocean advocate, adventurer and plastic pollution campaigner Emily Penn reveals the shock and optimism felt by the all-women crew of eXXpedition, who sailed the Great Pacific Garbage Patch this summer on a research and public awareness mission.

Revered as one of the planet’s last true wild places, Patagonia is under threat. Scientist Vreni Häussermann reveals the beauty of the area’s marine environment, along with some of her biggest concerns and what gives her hope for the future.

Renowned marine sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor discusses his latest project: Coralarium. The installation looks at our connectedness with the natural world as well as the generational divide regarding climate change and our (un)willingness to change.

The high seas are lawless.This year the UN convened for the first of four summits to discuss the implementation of a treaty that would include protections from overfishing. What would such a fishing ban look like, and how would it work?

With rapidly retreating sea ice and the associated loss of hunting grounds, polar bears face an uncertain future. Biologist and explorer Jonathan Green analyses the Svalbard bear population, which seems to be managing the changing climate just fine.

The Sea of Cortez was once regarded as a haven for manta rays. Then they disappeared. After nearly two decades they have returned once more. Joanna Lentini meets the biologist monitoring their return.

Each issue, we chat with one of the world’s leading ocean photographers and showcase a selection of their work. In this edition, we meet International League of Conservation Photographers member Nick Hawkins.