While those of us in the cruise industry focus on the surfaces of the world’s oceans and seas,  Holland America Line is making a serious commitment to protect marine ecology.  The cruise line has partnered with Marine Conservation Biology Institute (MCBI) in a three-year program that includes adopting sustainable seafood purchasing onboard and giving annual grants to MCBI graduate students in marine ecology.

Founded in 1996, MCBI is a nonprofit organization that brings scientists together to diagnose threats to the oceans and works with scientists, conservationists, fishermen, government officials and the media to fashion  sustainable solutions compatible with healthy living oceans.

The educational element begins with the launch of a video program series in summer 2010 to be aired on all ships introducing ocean issues and highlighting  important marine conservation topics that relate to the ships’ itineraries.    A final program will address marine spatial planning – an ecosystem-based approach to benefit ocean life and the ocean economy that MCBI, leading marine scientists, ocean policy experts, the United States and a growing number of governments around the globe are advocating.