Google Earth Outreach announced today a new tool that enables you to explore protected marine landscapes and learn about conservation efforts through videos, photos, and articles. This incredible resource, part of Google Earth Outreach’s efforts to empower non-profits and public benefit organizations, allows environmental groups to educate the public about marine stewardship and conservation efforts.   If you haven’t checked out Google Earth yet, I highly recommend it, it’s blowing my mind.   I’ve just started exploring the Marine Protected Areas layer, which has let me zoom around the planet learning about amazing places, such as Taiwan’s first marine national park, the 2nd largest barrier reef in the world, and the most important fishery and bird sanctuary on Africa’s west coast.

Learning about our oceans and waterways, and efforts to protect them, is of significant importance now that threats like aquatic hypoxia and ocean acidification are becoming increasingly prevalent.

takepart and learn what you can do to Protect Planet Ocean and check out Google Earth’s Outreach for Marine Protected Areas.

Photo: Hawksbill turtle, Rachel Graham, World Conservation Society