Earlier this year, Elizabeth travelled to Ascension Island, a small volcanic island in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, to witness firsthand the power of marine conservation with our partners, Blue Marine Foundation.
This remote island is doing something extraordinary - showing the world what’s possible when nature is protected. It’s not just a conservation success story. It’s a beacon of hope that demonstrates what our oceans could be when prioritised and protected: a thriving sanctuary, teeming with natural beauty, biodiversity and marine life…
A global model for marine protection
Ascension Island is home to one of the largest fully no-take Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in the world. Having banned industrial fishing and extractive activity, the island gives marine life space to recover and thrive. Despite its size, Ascension serves as a model for global marine conservation, demonstrating that it's possible to protect our oceans at scale and contributing to the global goal of protecting 30% of the ocean by 2030.
"Our oceans are the lifeblood of our planet, and their protection is not just an environmental responsibility but a passion that's woven into the fabric of the brand."
- Elizabeth Scarlett Petrides
Preserving unique & irreplaceable biodiversity
The island is a biodiversity hotspot thriving with marine life, from rare fish to critically important protected nesting sites for green turtles. The conservation efforts on the island ensure the survival of these key species and support the overall health of interconnected marine systems around the world - showing that by restoring these vital ecosystems, we really can make a difference to the future of our oceans.
A buffer against overfishing
Once a hotspot for industrial fishing, Ascension now serves as a safe haven for marine life to rehabilitate. That recovery is a ripple effect that extends beyond its shores, allowing fish populations to gradually “spill over” into surrounding waters.
“Ascension was once heavily fished by long-liners whose 50-mile-long baited hooks killed sharks, sailfish, turtles and seabirds. Now, conservation work is paying off. The team, supported by Elizabeth Scarlett, is ensuring maximum survival rates for turtles and other species.”
— Clare Brook, CEO of Blue Marine Foundation
Giving back to our beautiful oceans
Rooted in a love of wildlife, Elizabeth Scarlett is committed to protecting our natural world and the oceans that surround it. As part of our mission to raise £2 million for wildlife conservation, we’re donating 2% from every purchase from our turtle collections and ocean- inspired designs to Blue Marine Foundation. Your support helps fund 3-person turtle ranger team, marine research, and other critical projects on Ascension and beyond. Click here to find out more!*
Why this matters now
“At a time when support for nature is in retreat worldwide, companies like Elizabeth Scarlett are literally keeping conservation work going.”
- Clare Brook
Ascension Island shows us that with political will, science, and community effort, nature can bounce back. It’s not the whole solution, but it’s a powerful part of it - and a reminder that what we do today matters.
*Each year, Elizabeth Scarlett commits a minimum of £42,000 to fund turtle conservation projects in Ascension and the Dutch Caribbean. This works out as approximately £2.10 from the sale of each item. The commitment includes funding for five turtle rangers during nesting seasons, as well as for signage and education in the local communities. These teams help protect approximately 2 million turtle hatchlings per year.
