The ocean is threatened by pollution, overfishing and climate change. Although it covers approximately 70% of our planet, less than 8% is protected. The mission of the Pristine Seas project, launched in 2008 by National Geographic Explorer in Residence Enric Sala, is to explore and protect the vital places in the ocean. Since the project began, it has conducted 45 scientific expeditions and worked with world leaders to inspire the creation of 28 marine reserves that collectively protect more than 6.6 million square kilometers of ocean (approximately 2.5 million square miles).