The Marine Conservation Institute’s overarching goal is to help the world create a worldwide system of strongly protected areas – the Global Ocean Refuge System (GLORES) – a way to ensure future diversity and abundance of marine life. As part of that effort, they have developed the MPAtlas (www.mpatlas.org) with a comprehensive online database and mapping tool of existing and planned marine protected areas (MPAs). The organization has worked on U.S. laws affecting IUU fishing or pirate fishing since this illegal activity often targets MPAs, results in degradation of marine environments around the world and food insecurity for those who depend on sustainable fisheries.