Do you ever feel like you need a break from humans? Like, can we just give the planet a timeout and let it do its own thing for a bit?

Well, it turns out, some places are already doing that! Welcome to the world of blue parks, also known as marine protected areas (MPAs). These are overly-designated areas in the ocean (over 30%) where humans are not allowed to mess with the marine life. It's like a big underwater daycare where the kids are finally getting a chance to play without that one kid who always ruins everything. And The Marine Conservation Institute is the teacher in charge of making sure the kids don't go all Lord of the Flies on each other.

Today, we're going to take a look at some of the most interesting blue parks out there, so get your snorkels ready!

10 of the most interesting Blue Parks in the world

1. Aldabra Atoll Special Reserve, Tanzania; Seychelles

Check out this insanely secluded reserve, so off-the-grid that humans can barely even get there! The place is like a VIP lounge for the local ecosystem, giving it space to flourish and keep its coral reefs in tip-top shape. You'll find mangroves, seagrass beds, rocky shores, and sand bars all living their best lives here. The Seychelles community is totally obsessed with this place, and they even made it their queen—or should I say crown jewel—and created an anthem just for it! Now that's what I call a fan club.

2. Northern Channel Islands, US

The Northern Channel Islands have got their act together when it comes to protecting their underwater pals. We're talking rocky intertidal habitats, seagrass beds, giant kelp forests, and even deep-sea coral gardens. And if that's not enough to impress you, then how about the fact that it's a popular hangout spot for over 195 species of migratory seabirds?! Yep, these sandy beaches and rock formations are just the ticket for our feathered friends taking a break from their long journey down the Pacific Flyway. Now that's what I call a party in the ocean!

3. Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, The Bahamas

Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park protects healthy mangrove forests, seagrass meadows, diverse coral reefs, and other undisturbed areas. It’s a critical habitat for threatened species like the hawksbill turtle, Nassau grouper, and a wealth of nesting seabirds. The Blue Park is one of the few places left in the Bahamas with high densities of queen conch, a cultural symbol of the Bahamas that supports subsistence and local fisheries.

4. Area Marina Protetta di Torre Guaceto, Italy

The seagrass meadows, home to Posidonia Oceanica, provide a hangout for fish, crustaceans, sponges, and mollusks. Management collaborates with local fishers to safeguard predatory and juvenile fish, as well as benthic communities, while still sustaining artisanal fishing's economic and social value. It's a win-win for all!

5. Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, US

You know what's bluer than a Smurf's butt cheeks? The Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument! This place is so remote, you'd have better luck finding a unicorn than a Starbucks. And let me tell you, it's not just a pretty sight for sore eyes, it's also home to 22 endangered marine species. Talk about a wildlife sanctuary! We're talking green sea turtles, Laysan ducks, and the oh-so-cute Hawaiian monk seal. Even the native Hawaiians are proud of this blue park and their role in protecting it. Hats off to them!

6. Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, Philippines

With 181 endangered species living there, Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park is probably the coolest club around. And the best part? The locals in Cagayancillo get a piece of the action, with 10% of all tourism revenue going their way. Plus, they get first dibs on jobs in the park and help make the rules. And get this: the fish are thriving, and the coral is looking fantastic since the park was set up. Now that's what I call a blue park!

7. Reserva Marina de Galápagos, Ecuador

Reserva Marina de Galápagos is basically an underwater wonderland filled with coral reefs, cliffs, lagoons, and wetlands. And get this: over 2,900 marine species call it home, including whales, dolphins, sea lions, penguins, and even marine iguanas (yes, you read that right). Plus, the Blue Parks program is all about protecting the world's largest group of reef fish, which happen to live in this very reserve. So let's make sure we're doing our part to support the Blue Parks program and keep our oceans healthy and happy for years to come!

8. Arnavon Community Marine Park, Solomon Islands

The Arnavon Community Marine Park is a real gem! It's got so many yummy seafood options like trochus, crayfish, sea cucumbers, and tridacnid clams. And get this: The community actually runs the park. That means they're in charge of keeping everything in tip-top shape! But the fun doesn't stop there. The management committee also helps the community find new ways to make money without hurting the environment. Everybody gets a trophy!

9. Parque Nacional Isla del Coco, Costa Rica

Have you ever heard of the amazing Blue Park in Costa Rica? You know, the tropical paradise with over 300 kinds of fish, 600 mollusks, 800 insects, 130 birds, 5 freshwater fish, and 500 plants? Parque Nacional Isla del Coco is the perfect spot for migratory sharks in the tropical Eastern Pacific. You can find 14 types of sharks here, including a big group of scalloped hammerheads. Just keep in mind that it's not the easiest place to get to—there are no permanent residents except for conservation workers and scientists. So, access is no walk in the park—pun intended.

10. Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park, Australia

This place is home to some seriously epic creatures, like leatherback and green sea turtles, great white sharks, and whales. Oh, and let's not forget about the adorable fur seals!

But that's not all, because the underwater world of this park is seriously stunning. Think colorful sponge gardens, gorgeous corals, and a ton of fish swimming around. In fact, the sessile invertebrate communities here are just as diverse as the ones you'd find at the Great Barrier Reef. Impressive, huh?

Now, here's something that makes Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park extra special. It's an important part of Indigenous tradition and culture, and management reflects that. Plus, the subtidal rocky reefs and sheltered bays are home to some seriously impressive algal communities and kelp forests. Can we all just agree that this park is the bluest of all blue parks?

How can you help?

1. Feeling blue about the state of our oceans? Well, now you can turn that frown upside down by donating to Blue Parks! These protected areas are managed to conserve and sustainably use marine life. And guess what? You don't even have to leave your couch to help! Just click a few buttons and watch your donation make a difference.
2. Don't just sit there like a fish out of water, sign some petitions! These calls for the protection of specific marine habitats and species raise awareness and put pressure on decision-makers to act. Don't underestimate the power of your signature—it can make a whale of a difference!
3. Want to be a hero for our underwater friends? NOAA's Office of National Marine Sanctuaries is looking for volunteers to join their conservation efforts. Dive into activities like beach cleanups, water quality monitoring, and wildlife tracking. And let's not forget the coolest part—meeting all the amazing sea creatures! So put on your diving gear and make a splash in the fight for ocean conservation.
4. Dive into the circular economy: If you're looking for a way to reduce your environmental footprint, why not start by supporting companies like Loop, which offers refurbished devices to keep electronics out of the landfill? Think of it like setting sail on a refurbished ship, instead of contributing to the plastic island floating in the middle of the Pacific. By participating in the circular economy, we can help preserve our oceans so that future generations can enjoy swimming with dolphins and admiring coral reefs, instead of dodging plastic bags and soda bottles. So, grab your snorkel gear and join us on this voyage to a cleaner, more sustainable future! Arrrr!

Seas the Day: Let's Make Waves for Ocean Conservation!

So, you're telling me there's a place where we can go and study marine life without ruining it? Sign me up for a visit to a Marine Protected Area (MPA)! Not only do MPAs protect endangered species, but they also keep habitats safe, which is critical for the survival of our planet. Let's be real, without a healthy ocean, we'd be in hot water (another pun intended 😅). Our oceans have a direct impact on our climate, food supply, and economy, so it's important to protect them. And, by protecting marine life, we're setting up future generations for a better world.

We all know the oceans are struggling because of human ignorance and greed, but there's hope! We can educate ourselves and take action to preserve MPAs. It's time to put an end to ignorance and start loving and protecting our oceans. MPAs are a great place to start, and visiting them can give us the experience and tools we need to do our part.

So, let's join the cause and protect our oceans and marine life. Remember, a life with healthy oceans is a life worth living, and at Loop, we're all about that life.