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December 31, 2024

2024: A Year in Review

 

As the sun sets on 2024, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the moments that defined the last year. From celebrating victories and milestones to unexpected challenges, this year for Oceana has been filled with growth and gratitude. Join us as we look back at the highlights from 2024 and look ahead to what’s to come in 2025! 

OCEANA’S YEAR IN REVIEW

It was a big year for victories protecting critical ocean habitat and reducing single-use plastic from polluting our oceans.

HABITAT VICTORIES

Chile’s Congress passed the Benthic Law, which will improve the management of kelp – a key ecosystem for marine life and an important resource for artisanal fishers. Mexico created two new protected areas, including the Southern Gulf of Mexico Reefs National Park – the largest marine protected area in the Gulf of Mexico. The European Union passed its first new biodiversity law in 30 years. Canada created its newest and largest marine protected area.  

PLASTIC POLLUTION VICTORIES

The United States announced its commitment to phase out single-use plastics across the federal government. Amazon announced it will fully remove plastic air pillows from its delivery packaging globally, replacing them with 100% recycled paper filler. And two states, Florida and California, passed laws to protect our oceans and marine wildlife from plastic pollution.  

But these two campaign areas weren’t the only ones with victories this year. Peru enacted a law to criminalize the illegal construction and modification of fishing vessels. Brazil and the United States made progress to stop overfishing. Oceana also achieved protections for whales and other marine life from entanglement off the coast of California.  

Visit our victories archive to read more about all of Oceana’s victories in the last year.

LOOKING AHEAD TO 2025

Even with all these incredible victories, our oceans continue to face many threats, and the new year will undoubtedly bring more challenges for the oceans and the world. Looking ahead to 2025, while the year is filled with much uncertainty, it’s also filled with ambitious goals.  

Oceana is still campaigning to protect species like the North Atlantic right whale from extinction, to reduce single-use plastic from choking our oceans, to tackle the climate crisis, and so much more.  

Learn more about Oceana’s campaigns around the world. 

GET INVOLVED TODAY

Our work to protect the oceans means protecting our own future and our supporters are true beacons of light and critical in making our victories a reality. Each time you support Oceana’s campaigns, it creates a ripple that builds into a wave, and rolls into a storm, with the power to change the world. Here are a few ways you can get involved today! 

MAKE AN IMPACT

With each action you take to support Oceana, you’re making a world of difference for the oceans and for every animal that calls them home. Visit our action center to add your name to our current petitions.  

GIVE TO THE CAUSE

When you make a tax-deductible donation before the year ends, you’re making it possible for Oceana to continue to forge a bold path forward to protect our oceans. 

JOIN OUR COMMUNITY

Be the first to know about ways you can help protect the oceans and stay up to date with the latest ocean news. Join our email list and follow us on social!