The ocean covers over 70% of our planet, yet we’ve only just begun to understand how vital it is to our future. From regulating the climate to supplying the metals needed for clean energy, its role is far greater than most realize. But as demand for resources grows and the effects of climate change intensify, the pressure on our oceans is rising fast.
Without thoughtful action, we risk damaging one of Earth’s most essential life-support systems. That’s why ocean conservation and blue economy leadership matter now more than ever. These efforts focus on protecting marine ecosystems while also creating sustainable ways to meet global needs—like responsibly sourcing materials for electric vehicles or supporting coastal communities. By combining science, innovation, and equity, leaders in this space are helping shape a future where the planet and its people can thrive.
Gregory Stone, Chief Ocean Scientist at The Metals Company, is a globally respected marine expert and conservationist whose work is transforming how we think about ocean resources and sustainability. With over 12,000 dives across every ocean, he brings decades of hands-on experience in marine ecosystems, deep-sea exploration, and underwater research. At The Metals Company, he plays a central role in designing environmentally protected, Areasible strategies for seabed resource extraction, especially the collection of polymetallic nodules that are vital for renewable energy. His leadership has been key to the company’s growth, making it the first on track to collect these nodules at a commercial scale while setting new environmental standards through one of the most comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessments ever conducted.
Gregory ensures that sustainability and social equity are integrated into the company’s mission, with initiatives that reinvest in local communities like Nauru and Tonga and promote fair access to ocean resources. His career includes major milestones like founding the Phoenix Islands, co-creating the Ocean Health Index, and advising the UN and World Economic Forum. Recognized with awards such as the National Geographic Hero Award and the Pew Fellowship, Gregory Stone continues to shape a more sustainable and inclusive future for the ocean and the planet through science, leadership, and advocacy.
A Life Beneath the Waves
Gregory Stone grew up in Boston with a deep fascination for the ocean. From an early age, he didn’t just want to learn about the sea—he wanted to be in it. This passion shaped his entire career. Over the years, he became what he calls a “wet scientist,” completing more than 12,000 dives across every ocean on Earth. His exploration ranges from colorful coral reefs to the freezing waters of Antarctica. He has lived underwater for 30 days, reached depths of 18,000 feet in research submarines, and used robotic vehicles to study the seafloor. These experiences gave him a unique and in-depth understanding of marine ecosystems.
A major turning point came in 2016 when he met the CEO of The Metals Company, Gerard Barron, at a United Nations conference focused on sustainable development. The company was just starting and needed someone with deep ocean knowledge to lead its environmental efforts. That meeting drew Gregory Stone into one of today’s biggest global challenges—how to responsibly gather the metals needed for renewable energy. Seeing the damage caused by land-based mining, he recognized that the deep ocean could offer a more sustainable path. Guided by science, data, and a strong sense of responsibility to future generations, he believes that if done carefully, deep-sea resource extraction can meet our growing needs while protecting the planet.
Pioneering Deep-Sea Mining at Commercial Scale
The Metals Company is leading the way as the first company on track to extract polymetallic nodules (Deep-sea rocks rich in metals like nickel and cobalt, vital for clean energy) from the seabed at a commercial scale. What truly sets the company apart is its strong commitment to environmental responsibility. Before starting operations, it carried out the most detailed Environmental Impact Assessment ever conducted in the extractive industries, bringing together hundreds of scientists from around the world. No other company has done this level of research before beginning work.
The company values transparency and openly shares peer-reviewed research to support the global scientific community. For The Metals Company, this is more than just business—it’s about setting a responsible model for how deep-sea mining should be done. They’ve established Environmental Advisory Boards made up of leading marine scientists and developed technologies that aim to reduce environmental impact.
Every decision made by the company is guided by an environmental perspective from the very beginning. The Metals Company conducted 22 research campaigns over a period of 12 years, spending over 470 operational days at sea collecting hundreds of terabytes of environmental data as part of their comprehensive Environmental and Social Impact Assessment for their first site in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone, an area located approximately halfway between Mexico and Hawaii.
Sustainability at the Core of Every Operation
At The Metals Company, sustainability isn’t treated as a separate department—it’s built into everything they do. Everyone, from leadership to staff, understands that the business is mission-driven. Their aim is to extract essential metals in the most responsible and ethical way, while still delivering strong returns. They also believe that their profits should support global fairness. Since traditional mining has often hurt developing countries, they are taking a different approach. By partnering with nations like Nauru and Tonga, they invest in local education and job training, helping these communities grow within the blue economy.
Transparency in Action
Gregory Stone responds to concerns from environmental groups about deep-sea mining with a clear acknowledgment of their validity and importance. He explains that many of these concerns stem from misunderstandings. Unlike traditional land-based mining—which often destroys rainforests and harms nearby communities—deep-sea mining, particularly the collection of polymetallic nodules, has a much smaller environmental footprint. The operations are focused on a specific area in the Clarion Clipperton Zone, far offshore, and are conducted in a way that minimizes disruption to the ocean floor.
Gregory and his team are deeply committed to transparency, regularly engaging with critics, inviting independent scientists to observe their work, and publishing peer-reviewed research. This open, science-driven approach is key to building trust and ensuring accountability at every step.
A New Model for Ocean Resource Equity
Gregory Stone emphasizes the moral responsibility of ensuring fairness in how ocean resources are used. Historically, the global north has benefited from resources taken from the global south, often without offering fair compensation.
To address this, The Metals Company:
- Invests in training and education in countries like Nauru and Tonga
- Collaborates with local communities on sustainable development
- Works to ensure benefits from ocean resources are shared more equally
Vision for a Sea-Centered Future
Gregory Stone believes the world is entering an “Ocean Renaissance”—a time when humanity is shifting its focus from land-based resources to the vast potential of the ocean, which makes up 70% of the planet. He sees the blue economy not as a niche sector anymore, but as the future.
In his book Soul of the Sea in the Age of the Algorithm, he emphasizes the need to learn from past industrial revolutions and start this one with sustainability at its core—avoiding mistakes like unchecked climate change and biodiversity loss.
His work reflects this vision:
- Helped establish the Phoenix Islands Protected Area, the first large marine preserve in open ocean waters
- Co-developed the Ocean Health Index, the world’s first tool to measure sustainable ocean use
- Leads conservation efforts through his nonprofit, Pole to Pole Conservation
- Advocates for integrating Indigenous knowledge, environmental science, and climate resilience
Recognized Contributions to Ocean Science and Policy
Gregory Stone has achieved several important milestones in his career, including:
- Co-designing the Phoenix Islands Protected Area, later named a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Co-founding the Ocean Health Index to promote sustainable ocean use
- Launching “The Sea Has Many Voices” podcast with Ian Somerhalder
- Chairing the World Economic Forum’s Ocean Council
- Serving as Senior Science Advisor to the UN Special Envoy for the Oceans
Sharing the Ocean’s Story through Media and Books
Gregory Stone believes that if more people could witness the underwater world as he has, they would care deeply about protecting it. That’s why he has dedicated himself to making ocean science easy to understand and widely accessible. He has shared his knowledge through TED Talks, Discovery Channel documentaries, National Geographic articles, and his award-winning book Ice Island, which received the National Outdoor Book Award. His mission has always been to close the gap between science and the public—because science only makes a real difference when it informs people and helps shape policy.
Businesses Must Lead in Ocean Conservation
Gregory shares that private companies have a major role to play in ocean conservation. In today’s world, businesses are expected to uphold ethical standards that were once the domain of nonprofits. With transparency and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles becoming the norm, companies that ignore sustainability risk are falling behind. Drawing from his experience in the nonprofit and private sectors, Gregory Stone advocates for a hybrid model—where businesses generate profits by actively addressing global environmental challenges. This philosophy guides his team’s efforts as they work to build a more sustainable and responsible future for the world’s oceans.
Academic Excellence and Field Experience Shaping Ocean Advocacy
Gregory’s academic and early career path laid a strong foundation for his work.
He holds:
- Ph.D. in Marine Science – University of the South Pacific
- Master’s in Marine Affairs – University of Rhode Island
- BA – College of the Atlantic
He began his career with hands-on field research and conservation work at NOAA and the New England Aquarium, which laid a strong foundation for his future contributions. Over the years, he has taken on leadership roles at organizations such as Conservation International and has served as a scientific advisor to the Japanese Prime Minister’s Council for Advanced Technologies and the Ocean Genome Legacy Project. In addition to his advisory roles, he has taught at universities in New Zealand and served on the boards of the Marine Stewardship Council and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution.
Global Recognition
Gregory has received numerous awards for his groundbreaking work, including:
- National Geographic Hero Award
- Peter Benchley Ocean Solutions Award
- Pew Fellowship in Marine Conservation
- NOGI Award (National Academy of Underwater Arts and Sciences)
- Boston Sea Rovers Diver of the Year
- Antarctic Service Medal from the US Navy and the US National Science Foundation.
Holistic Approach to Ocean Conservation
Gregory’s Stones Pole to Pole Conservation is dedicated to protecting the ocean, supporting Indigenous rights, promoting open communication, and helping communities adapt to climate change. The organization believes that true conservation must include more than just science—it also requires fairness, respect for different cultures, and listening to local voices. Their mission is to create a global movement focused on sustainability, equity, and collective care for the planet.
Call for Honest, Impactful Leadership
Gregory’s message to the next generation of ocean leaders is rooted in urgency and optimism. He believes we are living in a rare moment in human history—one where the ocean represents our biggest challenges and our greatest hope. With science, honesty, and bold action guiding the way, there’s a real opportunity to build a sustainable future powered by clean energy and thriving ecosystems. Whether by taking direct action or offering support, everyone has a role to play in this Ocean Renaissance. According to Stone, the choices we make now will shape the future of our planet.
Gregory Stone’s 5 Impactful Business Mantras
- Science-Led Strategy Drives Long-Term Impact: Use data, research, and field experience as the foundation for sustainable and scalable business models.
- Sustainability Must Be Built-In, Not Bolted-On: Make environmental responsibility core to operations—not an afterthought or separate department.
- Equity Is Essential for True Innovation: Ensure fair access, local reinvestment, and global inclusion when developing new industries and technologies.
- Transparency Builds Trust and Accountability: Engage openly with critics, share findings publicly, and invite third-party oversight to foster integrity.
- Profit and Purpose Can—and Should—Coexist: Lead with a hybrid model where ethical, mission-driven practices fuel growth and global solutions.
