Learn how to
protect the oceans
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"The ocean is the cornerstone of Earth's life support system, it shapes climate and weather. It holds most of life on Earth."
The ocean shapes every aspect of life on Earth. It generates most of the oxygen we breathe, regulates global temperatures, and drives the water cycle that sustains all living things. It provides food and livelihoods for billions of people, and is home to a vast world of marine life. To protect these vital systems, we must act now to safeguard the ocean's future.
Stopping plastic and chemical pollution at the source is essential to restoring ocean health. This means shifting responsibility from consumers to producers by regulating the plastics industry, phasing out single-use products, and enforcing extended producer responsibility. It also requires investment in waste and water treatment infrastructure that can prevent pollution before it reaches waterways. At the policy level, governments can ban or restrict toxic chemicals, incentivise the redesign of products for reuse, and support international agreements that cap plastic production and reduce marine waste. By targeting the systems that generate pollution — not just its symptoms — we can protect marine biodiversity and create cleaner, safer oceans for future generations.
Seaweed is one of the most efficient natural tools for drawing down carbon. It grows rapidly, requires no fertilisers or freshwater, and absorbs CO₂ as it grows. Supporting seaweed farming helps reduce ocean acidification, restore marine ecosystems, and create sustainable coastal livelihoods. As seaweed is harvested, it can also be used as a nutritious, low-impact food source — making eating seaweed a delicious byproduct of climate action. From small-scale community farms to national pilot programmes, seaweed deserves greater recognition as a scalable nature-based climate solution.
Industrial overfishing has pushed many marine ecosystems to the brink, with over a third of global fish stocks now overexploited. In UK waters, species like cod, herring, and scallops are already at risk. But marine life can bounce back — often surprisingly quickly — when given the chance. By choosing sustainably sourced seafood, supporting low-impact local fisheries, and campaigning for strong, well-enforced Marine Protected Areas, we can restore ocean biodiversity and build more resilient coastal communities. Thriving seas are good for both people and planet.
Coastal communities have long lived in relationship with the sea — shaping it and being shaped by it. Seascapes are not just ecological zones but cultural landscapes, rich with memory, identity, and tradition. Framing them as “heritage seascapes” opens up new avenues for legal and cultural protection, similar to ancient woodlands or historic buildings. In places like Scotland, the sea has influenced language, livelihoods, and storytelling — from selkie myths to Hebridean fishing songs. Recognising this heritage deepens community stewardship, supports local leadership in marine protection, and affirms the deep, intangible connections that bind people to the ocean.
Coastal communities must be active participants in the shift to sustainable ocean economies. A just transition means investing in low-impact livelihoods like seaweed farming and restorative aquaculture, providing support for skills training, and protecting cultural traditions tied to the sea. Recognising the deep knowledge held by those who’ve worked these waters for generations ensures that coastal communities are co-creators of ocean solutions, rather than casualties of change.
The ocean plays a vital role in regulating the climate, absorbing around 25-30% of global CO₂ emissions. Blue carbon ecosystems — such as seagrass meadows, mangrove forests, salt marshes, and kelp forests — are some of the most powerful natural tools for carbon drawdown. These ecosystems capture and store CO₂ both in the plant biomass and the sediments beneath, providing an essential service in the fight against climate change. Protecting and restoring these habitats offers a scalable, nature-based solution for mitigating ocean acidification and reducing atmospheric CO₂ levels.
Stopping plastic and chemical pollution at the source is essential to restoring ocean health. This means shifting responsibility from consumers to producers by regulating the plastics industry, phasing out single-use products, and enforcing extended producer responsibility. It also requires investment in waste and water treatment infrastructure that can prevent pollution before it reaches waterways. At the policy level, governments can ban or restrict toxic chemicals, incentivise the redesign of products for reuse, and support international agreements that cap plastic production and reduce marine waste. By targeting the systems that generate pollution — not just its symptoms — we can protect marine biodiversity and create cleaner, safer oceans for future generations.
Seaweed is one of the most efficient natural tools for drawing down carbon. It grows rapidly, requires no fertilisers or freshwater, and absorbs CO₂ as it grows. Supporting seaweed farming helps reduce ocean acidification, restore marine ecosystems, and create sustainable coastal livelihoods. As seaweed is harvested, it can also be used as a nutritious, low-impact food source — making eating seaweed a delicious byproduct of climate action. From small-scale community farms to national pilot programmes, seaweed deserves greater recognition as a scalable nature-based climate solution.
Industrial overfishing has pushed many marine ecosystems to the brink, with over a third of global fish stocks now overexploited. In UK waters, species like cod, herring, and scallops are already at risk. But marine life can bounce back — often surprisingly quickly — when given the chance. By choosing sustainably sourced seafood, supporting low-impact local fisheries, and campaigning for strong, well-enforced Marine Protected Areas, we can restore ocean biodiversity and build more resilient coastal communities. Thriving seas are good for both people and planet.
Coastal communities have long lived in relationship with the sea — shaping it and being shaped by it. Seascapes are not just ecological zones but cultural landscapes, rich with memory, identity, and tradition. Framing them as “heritage seascapes” opens up new avenues for legal and cultural protection, similar to ancient woodlands or historic buildings. In places like Scotland, the sea has influenced language, livelihoods, and storytelling — from selkie myths to Hebridean fishing songs. Recognising this heritage deepens community stewardship, supports local leadership in marine protection, and affirms the deep, intangible connections that bind people to the ocean.
Coastal communities must be active participants in the shift to sustainable ocean economies. A just transition means investing in low-impact livelihoods like seaweed farming and restorative aquaculture, providing support for skills training, and protecting cultural traditions tied to the sea. Recognising the deep knowledge held by those who’ve worked these waters for generations ensures that coastal communities are co-creators of ocean solutions, rather than casualties of change.
The ocean plays a vital role in regulating the climate, absorbing around 25-30% of global CO₂ emissions. Blue carbon ecosystems — such as seagrass meadows, mangrove forests, salt marshes, and kelp forests — are some of the most powerful natural tools for carbon drawdown. These ecosystems capture and store CO₂ both in the plant biomass and the sediments beneath, providing an essential service in the fight against climate change. Protecting and restoring these habitats offers a scalable, nature-based solution for mitigating ocean acidification and reducing atmospheric CO₂ levels.
Protecting the ocean starts with meaningful actions that contribute to its health. Whether you’re supporting marine conservation efforts or advocating for sustainable policies, these actions empower you to take impactful steps towards safeguarding ocean ecosystems and preserving marine life for future generations.
Explore how seaweed could transform our food systems, clean our oceans, and help tackle climate change. Vincent Doumeizel’s book makes a compelling case for seaweed as a driver of global solutions. Read it solo, with a book club, or gift it to someone working in food, farming, or ocean science.
Parley for the Oceans is a global network dedicated to ocean protection through innovation and education. Their Ocean School Online offers free courses on the major threats facing our oceans, including plastic pollution, overfishing, and climate change. Courses like Ocean Climate Action, Precious Plastics Academy or Marine Biodiversity provide the knowledge and tools needed to take impactful action for ocean conservation.
Uncover the potential of seaweed as a powerful climate and sustainability solution. This UN-backed manifesto lays out a global vision for a responsible seaweed industry that restores ecosystems, supports livelihoods, and tackles major challenges like hunger, pollution, and climate change. Whether you're curious about ocean solutions or looking for bold ideas that can reshape the future, it’s an inspiring and informative read.
Bottom trawling is one of the world’s most destructive fishing practices, responsible for more than 90% of bycatch in the EU. Shockingly, it’s still allowed in many of Europe’s marine protected areas (MPAs). Urge EU lawmakers to ban bottom trawling in MPAs and properly enforce ocean protections.
Call on governments to uphold their promise to protect at least 30% of the world’s ocean by 2030. Protected marine areas (MPAs) are essential refuges for biodiversity, helping marine life recover, store carbon, and build resilience to climate change. Over 190 countries have committed to this global “30x30” goal – your voice can help hold them to it.
Our diets directly impact ocean health, and by reducing demand for overfished species, we can help marine ecosystems recover. Consider committing to one of these options, ranked from easiest to most impactful:
Donate to Sea Shepherd, a global marine conservation organization protecting ocean wildlife. Your contribution supports their direct-action campaigns to combat illegal fishing, poaching, and habitat destruction. With your help, Sea Shepherd can continue to patrol international waters, disrupt harmful activities, and advocate for stronger protection of marine ecosystems.
Industry is a major driver of ocean degradation — but it doesn’t have to be. The Blue Standard is a certification helping businesses across hospitality, events, music, sport, retail, and more to reduce plastic use and protect marine ecosystems. It covers both operations and product/packaging, making it the first cross-industry benchmark for ocean-friendly business. Encourage your organisation to get Blue Verified and be part of the solution.
Push for seafood sourcing policies that prioritise sustainability, advocate for reduced ocean plastic use, and encourage education partnerships with marine NGOs. By promoting these actions, you can align your workplace’s practices with marine protection, making a tangible impact on ocean health through responsible institutional choices.
Attending a plastic clean-up at your local beach or river is not only an act of ocean protection, but it's also a great way to meet other like-minded people committed to making a difference. These events provide an opportunity to get involved in a community of action-takers who are working together toward a cleaner planet. Being part of a community of changemakers can be one of the most rewarding aspects of taking climate action. Find a cleanup using the links below:
Pitch a team beach clean to your workplace. It’s a great team-building activity that gets everyone outdoors, boosts morale, and makes a real impact by removing plastic waste from the coastline. The Marine Conservation Society offers bookable corporate clean-up days — suggest it to your sustainability lead or HR team!
Storytelling and local ecological knowledge are powerful tools for nurturing cultures that value and protect ocean ecosystems. From coastal traditions and oral histories to community-held knowledge of tides, fisheries, and marine life — these stories carry deep insight and connection. Share stories from your area on social media, or by starting a podcast, writing a blog or article, creating a zine, or even publishing a book!
A seaweed-themed supper or tasting night is a fun, informal way to introduce others to ocean-friendly food and spark conversations about regenerative climate solutions. Bring your community together to share a delicious, climate-positive meal using locally sourced, sustainable seaweed — and explore seaweed’s potential to nourish both people and planet.
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