The ocean is sending distress signals

August brought record-breaking sea-surface temperatures and a major study showing coral reefs are bleaching more frequently with less time to recover. Global hard coral cover has dropped 9.5% since the 1980s, driven by human-caused climate change.

“Global hard coral cover has declined by 9.5% compared with the 1980-2009 average, driven primarily by human-induced climate change.”

Why the ocean matters to everyone

Healthy oceans feed billions, support livelihoods, store carbon, and protect coastal communities from climate impacts. The stakes are economic, environmental, and deeply personal for island nations like Seychelles.

We're far behind on ocean protection

Only 10% of the global ocean is currently protected, and existing commitments would reach just 12% by 2030. Land protection is on track for 27%, but the ocean is being left behind.

Protected on paper isn't protected at all

While 10% of the ocean is designated as protected, only 3.5% is actually effectively protected. Without enforcement, management, and funding, marine protected areas fail to stop damaging activities.

“A protected area cannot fulfill its purpose if damaging activities continue, management is weak, or long-term finance is missing.”

The high seas need global rules

Two-thirds of the ocean lies beyond national borders where species migrate and currents connect ecosystems. The new High Seas Treaty gives governments a legal framework to create marine protected areas in international waters for the first time.

“The High Seas Treaty changes what is possible.”

Ocean protection costs far less than we spend

Effective marine protection requires about 16 billion dollars annually, but only 1.8 billion is currently spent. Without proper funding, protected areas remain protected only on paper.

Some countries are showing the way

French Polynesia announced plans to protect 30% of its waters from extractive industries. Samoa and Portugal have also increased effective protection this year, proving ambitious ocean conservation is possible.

Four years to turn targets into reality

By 2030, governments must expand marine protected areas, enforce them effectively, and use the High Seas Treaty to safeguard international waters. Success means both more ocean protected and actual recovery of biodiversity and livelihoods.