The organisation for the conservation of the oceans, Mission Blue, has earmarked the Azores as an area to protect with particular attention. The body, a partner of Rolex in the Perpetual Planet project (an initiative to preserve the planet), has placed the Azores as one of its Hope Spots in this blue mission, assuming the island chain to be a geographical point of high importance. According to oceanographer and founder of Mission Blue, Sylvia Earle, the «Azores archipelago is a magnet for life. It is truly a magical place. Presenting the Azores as a Hope Spot makes so much sense – just ask the whales.»
