Issue 121 - June 2025
Beyond the Bottom Line: Finding Purpose in the Ocean

I used to measure success in cost savings and efficiency gains. My days were spent analyzing data, reassuring stakeholders, and ensuring goods moved smoothly from point A to point B. It was a career that made sense on paper – stable, well-paying, and rewarding. But over time, I started to feel a disconnect. I couldn’t shake the question: what impact am I actually making?
That question nagged at me, growing louder with each passing month. Then, in 2023, I decided to take a break. I left my corporate job and spent time traveling abroad, hoping to learn about myself and the world around me. Along the way, I explored the oceans I had only seen in documentaries, earning scuba diving certifications and witnessing firsthand the beauty and fragility of marine ecosystems.
Underwater, I found the passion I had been searching for and the clarity I had been chasing. Everywhere I looked, there was vibrant life. Schools of fish wove effortlessly through the water. Occasionally, one would stop to acknowledge me before continuing on its way. Corals, anemones, starfish, crabs, and urchins adorned the ocean floor, creating a mesmerizing tapestry of color and movement.
I felt such a connection to everything around me, like I was a part of it. I wasn’t just observing nature – I was immersed in it, welcomed by it. It made me question the role we choose to play in the natural world. Do we have to remain outsiders and disruptors? Or could we begin to see ourselves as part of a larger environmental community, with the responsibility to protect it?
Unfortunately, our impact so far has been detrimental. Coral reefs, which support 25% of all marine life, are bleaching and dying due to human-caused issues like acidification and rising ocean temperatures. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) projects that up to 90% of our coral reefs could disappear by 2050 if current trends continue. Key species are losing their habitats, shellfish can no longer form their shells, and populations are at risk of extinction from overfishing.
Our oceans are suffering, and we can’t afford to let that happen. Aside from being beautiful and full of fascinating life, the ocean supports humanity. It regulates our climate, produces oxygen, and provides food security for billions of people. It’s not enough to admire the ocean, we must act to protect it.
I am now a graduate student studying Ocean and Coastal Resource Management. In other words, how we govern, protect, and sustainably manage the ecosystems that exist in our oceans and where land meets sea. I’m learning about how we can build policies and practices that work with nature rather than against it.
Unlike my corporate career, where efficiency was the goal, this new path is filled with ambiguity and open-ended questions. The transition hasn’t been easy. It’s daunting to step away from a familiar world into one where outcomes are harder to measure and career paths are less defined. But I’ve also realized something crucial: my experience in the corporate world wasn’t wasted time, it was preparation.
Strategic thinking, managing complexity, and building partnerships are skills just as essential in conservation as they are in business. Professionals across traditional industries are uniquely equipped to take on environmental work, and shifting careers can lead to deeper meaning. That feeling I had underwater, of being part of something larger and worth protecting, is what continues to guide me.
Ultimately, the crises we face – rising temperatures, pollution, biodiversity loss – affect every single one of us, whether we realize it or not. Addressing them, protecting the systems that sustain life, should be an urgent global priority.
Healing the environment isn’t the job of scientists alone; there are broad, collective efforts to conserve and restore natural ecosystems. These efforts need storytellers to shift public opinion, analysts to track progress, economists to shape financial strategies, and policymakers to drive systemic change. In other words, they need people from every profession. They need you.
Critics of leaving corporate life may argue that stepping away from stability is a reckless move, one that sacrifices financial security and career progression. There’s some truth in that concern. But what’s often overlooked is the cost of staying: stagnation, disillusionment, and the feeling of contributing to something that no longer aligns with who you are.
Maybe the ocean isn’t your thing, and that’s okay. Our parks, forests, rivers, and wetlands need just as much attention. The skills, passion, and urgency required to protect each of these places are the same. What matters is choosing to engage, wherever your connection to the natural world lies.
Of course, not everyone can pivot careers, but purpose can also be found in staying. It can be found in pushing for sustainable practices, launching green initiatives, and advocating for policy changes within your company. You can also volunteer with, or donate to, environmental groups. Every action matters. Whether it’s by changing careers or embedding sustainability into your current role, you can be part of the solution.
If you’re seeking inspiration, just look around. I’ve found mine in countless people who work tirelessly and selflessly to protect our planet. One of the most meaningful moments of my journey so far was meeting Dr. Sylvia Earle at the Goldman Environmental Prize Ceremony, and having the chance to personally thank her. Though our exchange was brief, it left a lasting impression.
Dr. Earle has been a trailblazer in ocean exploration and conservation for decades. Her advocacy, research, and storytelling helped shape how the world sees and values the ocean. She is a personal hero of mine, and a reminder that change can begin with a single person. People like Dr. Earle, and so many others, prove that one voice, one career, one commitment can ripple outward and make waves. I’ve already experienced so many moments that reaffirm my passion for this work, and I know more inspiration lies ahead to keep me moving forward.
To anyone feeling stuck or unfulfilled, do yourself a favor and ask: does your current path align with your values? Does it make you proud? The world needs people who understand both business and sustainability, who can bridge the gap between commerce and conservation.
When I think about my future now, I feel incredibly optimistic. The challenges in protecting our ocean are enormous, but so are the opportunities. My journey is still unfolding, but for the first time in my career I know I’m moving in the right direction.
About the Author
McKenzie Ploen is a graduate student in Ocean and Coastal Resource Management and a
former corporate supply chain strategist. She writes about sustainability, purpose-driven work,
and marine conservation.
Art & Culture
Happy PRIDE in BIO[&]DIVERSITY
At its simplest, biodiversity is the full variety of life on Earth, from the smallest microbes in the soil to towering redwoods, from coral reefs teeming with fish to migrating shorebirds crossing the ocean. Biodiversity is not just about the number of species, but about how they live, where they live, and how they interact. It includes the quiet resilience of a lichen on a stone and the synchronized movement of a school of fish. It includes differences within species too. Some animals, like blue whales, might spend their lives mostly alone, while others rely on intricate social structures. Bees work together in colonies as superorganisms, with queens, workers, and drones, while other species divide roles across a group to hunt, raise young, or guard their community. These variations are not random, they are the result of millions of years of evolution, shaping a planet that functions as a system only when its parts remain connected.

It is the small details we often take for granted: the insect that pollinates a native flower, the bird that disperses seeds, the solitary tree where a migratory animal rests. When those pieces go missing, we might start to understand how deeply everything depends on everything else. Biodiversity is what makes Earth vibrant, resilient, and alive. When we protect it, we are protecting the system that supports us all. Old news, right? This should be giving vibes from my 1999 Campbell’s Biology, 5th Edition, university textbook.
As I reflect during Pride Month, I recognize that just as we value biodiversity, the dazzling variety of species, colors, bird calls, scents, and ecological roles- it should go without saying that we must also value human diversity. It is this diversity that makes us uniquely human. Celebrating Pride, for me, is about celebrating our differences (and the commonality between), respecting the rights, voices, and identities of all people, and taking time to honor what makes each of us unique. It is also about standing up, defending each other, and protecting what is beautiful. Two days ago a violent video was circulated on Instagram of a group of guys who violently attacked three trans women in Rome. There was kicking, punching, breaking bottles, and I’m sure a dark terror that will forever reside inside those women. When I see nature go up in flames, I make my voice heard. When people are attacked simply for existing, I do the same. Transphobia is here. Homophobia is here. A whole lot of phobias are here. But I repeat: TRANSPHOBIA IS HERE. It is not far from wherever you are sitting either. Trans people are not going away and they are part of the diversity that makes us all, together, human.
This is why we still need Pride.
Now, because of my work, my husband’s work, my educational and career path, and my family, I have had the good fortune to live in a handful of countries, and have visited many many others. Through these experiences, I’ve become close with people across nationalities and cultural backgrounds. I’m so lucky to have been welcomed into homes and communities that have shared their recipes, stories, fears, and traditions. It is every kind of diversity, across landscapes and languages, cultures and cuisines, that is beautiful. It should be protected, respected, and celebrated just as fiercely as the biodiversity of our planet.
On a personal level, I had a story similar to many young gay men who grew up in the 80s and 90s- navigating identity, belonging, the silence that often surrounded us, and the fear of AIDS around the corner. One of the things that made me stronger, more grounded, and ultimately successful in my life and career was that celebration diversity. I eventually learned there is no singular path or role, even though I was prescribed one. When I began working in ocean conservation well over two decades ago, my earliest mentors were all women. In a field that was still overwhelmingly male-dominated, these women lifted each other up, advocated for equity, and made space for new voices. Watching them taught me to be brave enough to be myself and to help others do the same. This also made me understand that the most effective way to make an impact in biodiversity conservation was to support the people behind it. Flash-forward, welcome to SEVENSEAS.
It is worth noting that SEVENSEAS is coincidentally owned and operated by gay people. I am proud of how this has shaped the way we work and the stories we choose to tell. SEVENSEAS Media is here to share science, promote biodiversity conservation, and support the people who make that work possible. Conservation is not just about coral and trees. It’s about the people who fight for them- and for each other.
That is why we offer publications, job opportunities, events, and volunteer connections. That is why we celebrate every person in this community and what makes them who they are. SEVENSEAS is the place for you.
This month, at the suggestion of Junior, our new Publisher, we we decided last minute to put together a special Pride in Conservation issue- highlighting some of the work of a few LGBTQ+ individuals, allies, and friends across the SEVENSEAS community.
Thanks for reading, and happy PRIDE.
Giacomo Abrusci

Raja Ampat, 2017
Issue 121 - June 2025
SEVENSEAS Travel Magazine – No. 121 June 2025

Amplifying Queer Voices
What Can Whales Teach Us About Queer Identity?

Dr. Chloe Robinson explores whales, from matriarchal pods to same-sex bonds and intersex individuals, challenge human norms through emotionally rich, socially fluid communities. Their queer behaviors mirror human identities, showing us that love, family, and gender diversity aren’t unusual—they’re naturally beautiful, and perhaps it’s time we learned from them. [Read more]
Patrick & Dave’s Pride Guide in Miami Beach

Patrick and Dave showcase Miami Beach as the ideal Pride vacation. Right off 12th Street’s “Gay Beach,” explore vivid coral reefs and unique marine wildlife, paddleboard serene mangroves, dive with rainbow parrotfish, and finish the day with iconic drag brunches and spirited nightlife. A Pride experience merging nature, culture, and celebration. [Read more]
Recoger “basuritas”, cuidar el agua, habitar el orgullo

Liliana Plaza combines queer identity with environmental activism, protecting coastal wetlands from Chile to global ocean projects. With Parley and Ojos de Mar Foundation, she advocates ecofeminist justice through community art and education, demonstrating that caring for nature is a bold, loving act benefiting both ecosystems and diverse communities. [Read more]
What Cormorants Teach Us About Adaptation
Rose Wilkin reveals how cutting-edge tools like drones, AI, and remote cameras revolutionize seabird research. Focusing on cormorant colonies in British Columbia, she highlights surprising discoveries about predator interactions and colony resilience, showcasing how modern technology opens new doors for ecological observation and seabird conservation in challenging coastal environments. [Read more]
Currents We Refuse to Follow
Victor Gauducheau explores how queer identity shapes his approach to conservation. Navigating societal rejection sharpened his connection with nature’s complexity and fluidity, inspiring his research on marine ecosystems and cetacean conservation. He argues that protecting biodiversity means embracing diversity in all forms—refusing dominant narratives to envision kinder, interconnected ways of living. [Read more]
Meeting the New Publisher at SEVENSEAS Media
Junior steps into the spotlight as SEVENSEAS Media’s new publisher, blending his passion for storytelling, healthcare, and queer identity into the environmental world. Embracing vulnerability and excitement, he commits to amplifying diverse voices, breaking down barriers, and making ocean conservation accessible to all readers with warmth, humor, and authenticity. [Read more]

“Waves of fire against a stubborn shore.”
Photograph by Victoria Migneco, submitted for SEVENSEAS Media’s PRIDE Issue #121.
Container Ship Sinks Off Kerala, Triggers Oil Spill Emergency

The sinking of MSC ELSA 3 near Kerala unleashed fuel, hazardous chemicals, and plastics into the Arabian Sea, endangering vital breeding grounds for marine life during peak spawning season. Scientists warn of severe ecological damage amid complicated monsoon conditions, highlighting urgent gaps in maritime governance, accountability, and disaster response. [Read more]
FEATURE DESTINATION – Journeys With Purpose: Tracking Tigers and Conservation in India

Venetia, Managing Director of Journeys With Purpose, shares insights from her transformative trip across India’s tiger reserves. From wildlife corridors reducing human-tiger conflicts to meeting conservation pioneers, her journey unveils a rare look at community-driven conservation success. Experience intimate safaris, stunning landscapes, and firsthand encounters with India’s remarkable wildlife recovery story. [Read more]
FEATURE DESTINATION – Journeys With Purpose: The Palau Pledge and Marine Protection in Action

Palau, a tiny Pacific nation, leads globally in marine conservation through groundbreaking initiatives like the Palau Pledge—requiring visitors to commit to environmental protection. With shark sanctuaries, vast marine reserves, and sustainable tourism, Palau proves that cultural pride, environmental responsibility, and global leadership can transform tourism into a force for lasting change. [Read more]
Mass Death of Magellanic Penguins Shocks Cabo Vírgenes Reserve

During a visit to Cabo Vírgenes Reserve in April, a witness found dozens of dead Magellanic penguins—some freshly deceased, others skeletal. With gas extraction sites nearby and signs of possible violence, urgent questions remain. Environmental groups are now seeking answers to protect this fragile breeding colony. [Read more]
Coral Gardens and Vents Discovered in South Sandwich Waters

A daring expedition led by Ocean Census and GoSouth uncovered vibrant deep-sea coral gardens, newly discovered hydrothermal vents, and possible new species in the icy depths of the South Sandwich Islands. Amid volcanoes and storms, scientists made rare biological and geological discoveries that could reshape our understanding of the deep ocean. [Read more]
SeaKeepers 2025 Honors Jimmy Buffett and Emily Cunningham

This October, The International SeaKeepers Society will gather ocean champions at its 2025 Founders Event to honor the enduring legacy of Jimmy Buffett and the rising impact of Emily Cunningham, MBE. Held during the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, the event also celebrates the DISCOVERY Fleet’s global contributions to ocean science and education. It’s an evening of memory, momentum, and meaningful action for the sea. [Read more]
Reefs of Time: Fossils Reveal Clues to Coral Survival

In Reefs of Time, geoscientist Lisa Gardiner looks to the ancient fossil record to understand how coral reefs have survived past climate upheavals—and what that means for their future. Blending science, travel, and poetic insight, this new release offers a powerful and hopeful lens on coral survival in a warming world. [Read more]
Wet and Salty: A Life Devoted to Coral Conservation

In Wet and Salty, Rodney V. Salm traces his remarkable 55-year journey from spearfishing barefoot in Moçambique to pioneering global coral reef conservation. Filled with personal adventure and scientific insight, this memoir offers a hopeful, firsthand account of resilience—both human and ecological—in the face of a changing ocean. [Read more]
Truth Demands: Indigenous Leadership in a Crumbling Climate System

In Truth Demands, Abby Reyes weaves personal loss, environmental justice, and Indigenous wisdom into a powerful memoir of resistance. Tracing the murder of her partner in U’wa territory to the silence surrounding corporate accountability, she calls for a future where Earth, community, and truth are no longer sidelined, but central. [Read more]
Feature Destination
FEATURE DESTINATION – Journeys With Purpose: The Palau Pledge: How a Tiny Nation is Leading Global Marine Conservation

How could a Pacific island nation of just 20,000 residents create a conservation model many large countries still strive for?
Palau has married cultural pride with global leadership to create a living legacy of conservation and stewardship. Initiatives, including the Palau Pledge, have redefined what it means to travel responsibly and protect marine life; a journey here is a masterclass in purpose-driven tourism.

The Palau Pledge
The Palau Pledge is the world’s first immigration policy centred on environmental responsibility. It was launched on 7 December 2017 and requires every international visitor to sign a pledge upon arrival, stamped directly into their passport. This mandatory commitment, available in multiple languages, helps preserve Palau’s ecosystems and cultural traditions.
Uniquely, the pledge was co-created with local schoolchildren and is addressed to the children of Palau. It repositions tourism as a shared responsibility, symbolising a collective promise to future generations.

Unsurprisingly, this has had global resonance. The Palau Pledge has generated over 1.7 billion media impressions and is on track to reach more than two million signatures in its first decade since inception. It has inspired initiatives beyond its shores with other countries seeking to balance tourism and sustainability.

Palau’s Conservation Achievements
Shark Sanctuary
In a bold world-first move, Palau declared its entire exclusive economic zone a shark sanctuary in 2009. Over 135 shark and ray species have benefitted, as the sanctuary covers all waters up to 200 nautical miles from the coastline, encompassing hundreds of islands. This response to the global decline in shark populations led to a worldwide movement with 17 other countries following suit.
Palau National Marine Sanctuary
In 2015, Palau built on its conservation leadership by establishing the Palau National Marine Sanctuary, which protects 80% of its national waters. It banned all extractive activities, including fishing and mining, in an area about the size of California. It also made a groundbreaking ban on reef-toxic sunscreens to safeguard its coral ecosystems.

This move has protected over 1,300 fish and 700 coral species and safeguarded critical habitats for manta rays, whales and endangered sea turtles. Palau established locally-managed fisheries in the remaining 20% of the waters to also ensure food security for the nation.
The United Nations has praised Palau’s conservation model as it showcases how big of an impact a small island nation can make to protect global marine life.
Palau Wildlife
Marine Life
Some of the planet’s most diverse and vibrant marine life exists in Palau due to its location in the heart of the Coral Triangle. The country’s pioneering conservation efforts ensure over 130 species of sharks can thrive there, as well as manta rays, which glide through the nutrient-dense waters. Over 700 coral species live in the underwater worlds of coral reefs, and hawksbill and leatherback sea turtles have critical nesting grounds on its shores. One of the most unique species here is the stingless golden jellyfish, which occupies ‘Jellyfish Lake’ in the millions.

Land-Based Life
Palau’s land-based wildlife is just as vibrant as its marine wildlife due to millennia of isolation within rich island habitats. Dugongs are among the most rare and elusive residents; these shy, gentle creatures play a crucial ecological role in maintaining healthy seagrass beds. Palau is one of the few places in Micronesia where they graze.
Avian diversity is also exceptional in Palau. There are over 150 recorded bird species, including at least 13 endemics found nowhere else. Colorful residents bring the forests and wetlands to life, such as the Palau Fruit Dove with its soft green plumage and pinkish crown. The Palau Ground Dove, Palau Scops Owl and the Giant White-eye are further examples of species adapted to the country’s diverse habitats, which range from lush tropical forests to limestone islands.
Pioneering Responsible Tourism
The impact of the Palau Pledge extends beyond how visitors experience this island nation. It has transformed the landscape of responsible tourism and blazed a trail for other countries to follow.
At its core, the requirement for every international visitor to sign the pledge created a powerful ‘green nudge’. They must commit to protecting the environment, making stewardship a collective responsibility. 96% of visitors reported being more mindful of their environmental impact, and 65% actively used the pledge’s principles to educate others during their stay.
The Pledge has also catalysed several innovative policies and regulations, including the world’s first ban on reef-toxic sunscreens. Palau has expanded protected areas and introduced ‘Green Fees’, which channel money into local conservation projects, including marine monitoring, waste management and community-led environmental education. Tourism revenue, therefore, delivers tangible benefits to local people and nature.
“Palau is driving investment in large-scale protection to benefit people and the ocean. It is a beacon to the rest of the world.”
— Fiorenza Micheli, Stanford’s Centre for Ocean Solutions

A Model for the World
If we have learned one thing from Palau, it’s that size is not a barrier to global leadership in conservation. Palau has set a benchmark in environmental stewardship by creating the Palau Pledge and vast marine sanctuaries, alongside its unwavering commitment to fostering responsible tourism.
A visit to this Micronesian nation is an opportunity to become part of its conservation success, not just witness it. You can explore its protected seascapes through guided dives and snorkelling excursions and go birdwatching and hiking through its pristine forests. You can even witness discussions among Palau’s environmental leaders and contribute to citizen science projects and conservation monitoring.
This is a rare opportunity. Palau invites you to stand alongside them in fighting for the future of our oceans.
Ready to Take the Pledge?
Journeys With Purpose offers private, conservation-focused journeys to Palau, with tailor-made itineraries built around your passions. Get in touch with our expert travel specialists today on +44 20 8044 9538 or at [email protected] to find out more.
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