Our Advocacy Work
Leading campaigns to drive policy change
Under The Pole leverages the scientific findings from its research‑driven expeditions to carry out advocacy work and promote conservation policies to protect the Ocean. Advocacy actions and campaigns aim to alert policymakers across the world about the need to further protect nature's ecosystems.
The data collected during our expeditions are shared with public authorities and decision‑makers to support the adoption of concrete measures for preserving the Ocean and its biodiversity, both locally and internationally.
Ocean Advocacy in Action
We conduct advocacy campaigns to transform scientific discoveries into concrete decisions to ensure a sustainable future of the Ocean.
Our goal is to ensure that the mesophotic zone (30–200 m deep) along with its unique biodiversity and ecosystems, such as marine animal forests, are recognized and sustainably protected. We translate scientific findings from our expeditions into clear, actionable insights to:
- Strengthen the integration of the mesophotic zone into national, regional and international conservation policies.
- Support the creation and management of conservation tools, such as marine protected areas, by systematically incorporating the mesophotic zone.
- Contribute to major international forums (UN, IUCN, CCAMLR etc) to amplify the voice of mesophotic ecosystems and advocate for ambitious conservation measures.
- Engage civil society, recognizing that protecting the Ocean also depends on citizen action and support.
In 2025, the IUCN adopted a resolution calling for strengthened knowledge and the protection of oceanic mesophotic ecosystems.
At Under The Pole, we continue to be committed to turn exploration into protection, and scientific research into effective advocacy.
Our recent policy achievements
Under The Pole’s advocacy action is already bearing fruits.
In recent years, our commitment to sharing expedition discoveries, mobilizing stakeholders and speaking on the international stage has led to significant victories and policy advancements in marine conservation :
Greece bans bottom trawling in the Fourni archipelago, protecting 450 km² of coralligenous habitat ‑ a milestone driven by Under The Pole, Archipelagos NGO, Camille Étienne and the local community.
The IUCN adopts a motion championed by Under The Pole calling for strengthened knowledge and protection of the mesophotic zone.
