Cristina Goettsch Mittermeier, also known as "Mitty," was born in Mexico City in 1966 and raised in Cuernavaca, Morelos. She is widely regarded as one of the most influential conservation photographers of her time. Mitty's work focuses on the protection of the world's oceans and the environment, inspiring millions through her stunning photography.

She holds a degree in Biochemical Engineering in Marine Sciences from ITESM University in Mexico and later studied Fine Art Photography at the Corcoran College for the Arts in Washington, D.C. In 2005, Mitty founded the International League of Conservation Photographers (ILCP) to provide a platform for environmental photographers and coined the term "conservation photography."

In 2014, she co-founded SeaLegacy, a nonprofit organization aimed at using art, science, and communication to protect the oceans and promote biodiversity. Mitty’s photographs have been featured in major publications such as National Geographic, TIME, and O Magazine. Alongside her partner, Paul Nicklen, she was named one of National Geographic’s Adventurers of the Year in 2018.

Her work has earned numerous awards, including the Smithsonian Conservation Photographer of the Year, the Humanity Content Creator Award from HIPA, and the Seattle Aquarium's Sylvia Earle Medal. In 2021, she received the Travel + Leisure Global Vision Award and was recognized as one of the 100 Latinos Most Committed to Climate Action. Mitty is also a sought-after speaker and has been recognized by Real Leaders as one of the world’s best keynote speakers. She is a Sony Artisan of Imagery and collaborates with Rolex's Perpetual Planet initiative. In 2022, she was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts from Simon Fraser University in Canada.

She is a passionate impact investor, bridging financial success with positive environmental and social outcomes. Mitty lives on Vancouver Island, Canada, with her three adult children, all of whom share her deep commitment to nature.

SeaLegacy is a nonprofit organization dedicated to ocean conservation, co-founded in 2014 by world-renowned photographers Cristina Mittermeier and Paul Nicklen. The organization’s mission is to harness the power of storytelling through striking visual media to protect and restore the health of the world’s oceans. SeaLegacy believes in the transformative power of images to inspire action and is committed to shifting the global narrative surrounding ocean health, with a focus on driving urgent climate action and advocating for the protection of marine ecosystems.

Through its innovative approach, SeaLegacy combines the artistic impact of photography with scientific research, advocacy, and community engagement to raise awareness about the importance of oceans in sustaining life on Earth. The organization’s initiatives revolve around creating and protecting marine sanctuaries, advancing policies for sustainable ocean management, and building public support for ocean conservation. SeaLegacy partners with scientists, environmental advocates, indigenous leaders, and policymakers to push for the creation of more marine protected areas, effectively expanding the global network of conservation efforts.

SeaLegacy also places a strong emphasis on amplifying the voices of indigenous communities, whose traditional knowledge and stewardship of marine ecosystems are invaluable in safeguarding the oceans. By partnering with local communities and involving them in conservation efforts, SeaLegacy ensures that the fight for ocean health is inclusive and globally relevant. In addition to raising awareness, SeaLegacy actively campaigns for systemic change by advocating for policies that reduce the impacts of climate change, combat ocean pollution, and protect marine biodiversity. Their work has led to significant strides in influencing policy decisions and advocating for the establishment of marine protected areas globally.

The organization’s work spans across expeditions, education, campaigns, and media projects, including their documentary-style photography and video content that has gained worldwide recognition. Through compelling narratives, SeaLegacy inspires individuals and communities to take personal and collective action to safeguard the future of the oceans and the countless species they support. By highlighting the urgency of the ocean crisis, SeaLegacy hopes to create a lasting impact, one that drives a global movement toward a more sustainable and healthy ocean future. Ultimately, SeaLegacy’s vision is to ignite a global movement that prioritizes the health of the oceans as a critical element of planetary health. Through powerful storytelling and a deep commitment to collaboration, SeaLegacy is working to ensure that the oceans not only survive but thrive for future generations.

Visit the website https://sealegacy.org/