The Azores archipelago is home to a submarine ecosystem where 25 species of cetaceans live and feed from the abundant resources near the seamounts. Hundreds of species of fishes, corals, and sponges thrive in these warm waters. Still, the ecosystem is endangered by human activity such as fishing, construction, sea transport, and agriculture. Mission Blue, the organization igniting public support for a global network of marine protected areas founded by legendary oceanographer Sylvia Earle, just labeled the area as a « Hope Spot ». Along with the government, the University of the Azores and a few other organizations, Mission Blue aims to protect the marine environment and extend its networks of protected areas. The initiative has found in Rolex a dedicated (yet discreet) support. As you may know, Sylvia Earle never parted ways with her own Rolex watch in 40 years of exploration…