Oceana Campaigns | Oceana

OCEANA Campaigns

Oceana is campaigning around the world for science-based policies that stop overfishing, protect habitat, increase transparency, protect our climate, curb plastic pollution, and increase biodiversity.

Our nine Oceana campaigns zero in on reversing the largest threats to the world’s oceans. These proven ocean advocacy strategies are helping to rebuild abundant and biodiverse oceans, which can feed a billion people a healthy seafood meal every day, forever. 

TAKE ACTION FOR OUR OCEANS

Get involved to support Oceana campaigns! The more voices we have speaking up for our oceans, the louder we can be. View our current ocean advocacy actions and join the fight to protect and restore our oceans. 

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OUR VICTORIES

Since 2001, Oceana has won over 325 victories for the oceans and protected more than 4 million square miles of ocean habitat. Our science-based campaigns have specific goals and deadlines — enabling us to create real, measurable change for the oceans. From stopping bottom trawling in sensitive habitat areas to protecting sea turtles from commercial fishing gear, Oceana has been a leader in protecting and restoring marine biodiversity and abundance.

Peru Passes new Law to protect its artisanal fishers

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OUR EXPEDITIONS

Oceana’s on-the-water expeditions bring to life the essential underwater areas we seek to protect. Since 2005, Oceana has led more than 55 expeditions and conducted thousands of ocean surveys across the globe.

View All Current & Past Expeditions

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Oceana is the largest international advocacy organization dedicated solely to ocean conservation.  Oceana is rebuilding abundant and biodiverse oceans by winning science-based policies in countries that control one-quarter of the world’s wild fish catch. 

Oceana pursues targeted campaigns that address the oceans’ biggest threats, including overfishing, illegal fishing, habitat destruction, plastic pollution, climate change, and the killing of threatened species. Oceana combines scientific research, legal action, advocacy, communications, and grassroots engagement to achieve measurable conservation victories. 

Oceana focuses on several core ocean conservation issues: 

  • Overfishing: Promoting responsible fisheries management and rebuilding depleted fish populations 
  • Protecting critical habitat: Safeguarding coral reefs, seamounts, mangroves, and other essential marine ecosystems 
  • Climate and Energy: Stopping the expansion of new offshore oil and gas drilling and protecting the oceans from climate-related threats 
  • Plastic Pollution: Stopping plastic pollution by advancing policies that prevent unnecessary single-use plastic waste from entering the ocean 
  • Illegal fishing: Ensuring commercial fishing vessels are trackable and promoting policies that require traceability throughout the seafood supply chain 
  • Protecting Endangered Species: Protecting marine animals from threats like fishing gear entanglements and ship strikes 

Each of Oceana’s distinct campaigns work toward one or more of these core issues. 

Oceana operates globally, with offices in North America, Central America, South America, Europe, Asia, and Africa, campaigning in countries that control one-quarter of the world’s wild fish catch. We can — on a country-by-country basis — win policy victories that help protect and restore oceans worldwide. 

Oceana focuses exclusively on ocean conservation and policy change. Unlike groups centered on land conservation or direct wildlife rescue, Oceana aims for large-scale impact by changing laws and policies that govern how the oceans are used and protected. Policy change enables large-scale, long-term impact by addressing the root causes of ocean decline. With the right safeguards in place, we can protect ocean ecosystems, marine life, and those who depend on healthy oceans. 

Yes. Science is the foundation of Oceana’s work. Oceana’s campaigns are informed and guided by scientists, economists, lawyers, and policy experts who analyze data, develop research, and ensure that our advocacy reflects the best available science. 

Oceana has secured hundreds of policy wins worldwide that stop overfishing, habitat destruction, oil and plastic pollution, and the killing of threatened species. With our allies, Oceana has protected more than 4 million square miles (over 10 million square kilometers) of ocean and secured hundreds of policy victories worldwide, including: 

  • Reforms that allow fish populations to recover 
  • Restrictions on destructive fishing practices like bottom trawling  
  • Protections against new offshore drilling 
  • Laws to reduce the production of ocean-polluting single-use plastics 
  • Safeguards that protect marine life from deadly entanglements in fishing gear 

These wins contribute to healthier oceans, stronger coastal economies, and improved food security. 

Healthy oceans regulate the climate, provide food for billions of people, support livelihoods, and sustain marine biodiversity; but when overexploited or polluted, these benefits — and our entire planet — are put at risk. Protecting the oceans is essential for both environmental and human well-being. 

  • Establishing science-based management plans and catch limits for fisheries 
  • Ending the use of destructive fishing practices like bottom trawling 
  • Establishing marine protected areas 
  • Reducing the production and use of unnecessary single-use plastics  
  • Requiring fishing vessels are trackable 
  • Ensuring seafood is traceable from boat to plate 
  • Stopping the expansion of harmful offshore oil and gas drilling 
  • Ending subsidies to vessels that fuel overfishing 
  • Reducing bycatch and protecting threatened species 
  • Ensuring local fish catch supports local communities 
  • Giving small-scale and artisanal fishers a seat at the decision-making table 

Oceana works with policymakers to advance these solutions. 

  • Supporting science-based ocean policies 
  • Reducing their plastic use 
  • Choosing sustainably sourced and traceable seafood 

FEATURED CAMPAIGN

Save the Oceans, Feed the World

We are restoring the world’s wild fish populations to serve as a sustainable source of protein for people.

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MORE CAMPAIGNS

Protect Habitat

Bycatch

Plastics

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CONTACT

Oceana International Headquarters
1025 Connecticut Avenue NW, Suite 200
Washington, DC 20036 USA

General Inquiries
+1(202)-833-3900
info@oceana.org

Donation Inquiries
+1(202)-569-4895
wavemaker@oceana.org

Press Inquiries
+1(202)-833-3900
press@oceana.org

OCEANA'S EFFICIENCY

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We have already protected over 4 million square miles of ocean and innumerable sea life - but there is still more to be done.

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