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Global Issues: Oceans /
The ocean sustains life and livelihoods, producing at least half of Earth’s oxygen, supporting vast biodiversity, and providing food and jobs for millions. Yet overfishing and ecosystem decline threaten its future. In the Pacific, however, a different story has emerged. Through more than 20 years of collaboration among 14 Pacific Island nations, regional organizations, scientists, and development partners, Pacific tuna fisheries have become the world’s first major tuna fishery where all four key stocks are harvested sustainably. Science-based management, regional unity, and initiatives such as the Vessel Day Scheme have strengthened food security, generated billions in economic value, and supported thousands of jobs. The Pacific’s success demonstrates how cooperation, stewardship, and long-term investment can protect marine resources while advancing sustainable development.
Coral reefs cover less than 1% of the ocean but support over 25% of all life in it—the highest biodiversity of any ecosystem on the planet. Protecting coral reefs is an existential imperative for Small Island Developing States like Mauritius, which depend heavily on these rich but delicate ecosystems for fisheries, tourism and coastal protection. Despite their immense value, coral reefs are at the brink of collapse. In 2020, an oil leak from a damaged ship caused the worst environmental disaster in Mauritius’ history. The local communities most affected by the disaster stepped up to lead the recovery and take their future into their own hands. The initiative supported by UNDP engaged local residents to collect pieces of broken coral from the reef hit by the ship and move them to a nursery. By May 2026, around 25,500 corals from over 3,400 mother colonies had been transplanted back to the affected area.
This World Oceans Day (8 June), let’s rethink our relationship with the oceans, not as something distant, but as the foundation of life. The ocean produces at least 50% of the oxygen we breathe, supports Earth’s biodiversity, and provides food and medicines for people around the world. It also drives economic growth, with an estimated 40 million jobs in ocean-based industries by 2030. As beneficiaries of its gifts, we must also become guardians of its future. to protect it and explore the latest UN scientific report on the state of the oceans, launched today.
"We went the furthest I have ever been from land." Seeking data to advance marine research, scientist Marco Milardi took part in a to the international waters of the Southwest Indian Ocean, going where very few people have ever been. He was one of over 20 scientists from 11 countries on the R/V Dr. Fridtjof Nansen, a vessel operated as part of the EAF-Nansen Programme; a partnership between the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization (), the Government of Norway, 33 countries and several regional organizations across Africa and the Bay of Bengal.
Global ocean observations, coordinated by UNESCO’s GOOS and contributed to by over 80 countries, provide to changes in the marine environment and climate impacts.
The concept of Blue Voyage – or Mavi Yolculuk in Turkish – refers to a traditional sailing journey along Türkiye’s southwestern coast. In Türkiye’s Bodrum Peninsula, the “Blue Voyage” tradition faces threats from rapid tourism growth and coastal degradation. Once rich in marine life, Bodrum’s shores declined as seagrass meadows—vital carbon sinks and habitats—were removed. In 2023, marine biologist Mert Gökalp and the Underwater Research Society launched Project Posidonia with UNDP-GEF support, mapping 2,185 hectares of seagrass, identifying risks, and recommending marine protections. Beyond science, the project fostered community dialogue, waste and mooring reforms, and international collaboration.
The ocean, vital for food, clean air, and livelihoods, is increasingly threatened by climate change, pollution, and overfishing.
Fifty years after Jaws, UN Ocean Patron Lewis Pugh is swimming 96km around Martha’s Vineyard to shift perceptions and highlight the real threat sharks face, mass killing by humans, not the other way around.
Seafarers are the backbone of global trade, yet many face bullying, harassment, and discrimination. Studies show that over 50% of female seafarers, and significant number of male seafarers, have experienced harassment at sea that threatens their safety, mental wellbeing and career progression. On 25 June, the global maritime community comes together to celebrate the . This year, the International Maritime Organization ) launched the campaign 'My Harassment-Free Ship', a bold initiative to promote a culture of respect and zero tolerance for bullying and harassment at sea.
In Tawi-Tawi, Philippines, seaweed farming is a vital livelihood for many, but challenges threaten its future. Farmers like Imilita Mawaldani Hikanti have relied on cultivating agal-agal seaweeds for generations. The province, known as the “Seaweed Capital of the Philippines,” produces around 40% of of the country’s 600 000-tonne annual output of seaweed. However, volatile prices and competition have driven local prices down to PHP 25 per kilo (about USD 0.44), leading to losses for farmers. Additional issues like ice-ice disease caused by climate change exacerbate the situation. To address these challenges, and local authorities have launched a project to enhance seaweed production and value chains.
The ocean plays a vital role in climate regulation, economy, and food security. This year’s is a valuable opportunity to address threats like pollution and underfunding of marine conservation.
Christina Perrine is a woman whose early environmental awareness led her to take action locally. In 2023, she became a Plastics Ambassador for the . Using her solar-powered bicycle, she visited rural villages to collect discarded plastic bottles and educate the community on recycling and reducing plastic use. The initiative, supported by and the , trained six ambassadors, engaged over 4,000 citizens, and collected more than five tonnes of plastic waste. The project also organized clean-up campaigns, assisted small businesses in minimizing single-use plastics, and reached nearly 1,800 students with educational programs.
The will unite global leaders to address urgent ocean challenges, drive sustainable use, and protect livelihoods dependent on marine ecosystems and trade.
The ocean is in crisis. Climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss are threatening ecosystems, economies, and communities. Yet, the ocean is vital: it regulates our climate, provides us with oxygen, and absorbs carbon. Urgent action is needed to restore its health. From 9 to 13 June, global political leaders, civil society, private sector, youth and other partners are meeting in Nice, France, at the to drive bold commitments for a sustainable ocean future. Follow all sessions on !