Marine Conservation - Protecting Our Oceans and Coasts for People and Nature

Less than 1% of our world's oceans are currently protected.
With your help, we can conserve marine habitat around the world.

Oceans are an amazing part of our planet. Covering 70 percent of Earth’s surface, the ocean contains 99 percent of the living space on the planet and supports nearly 50 percent of all species on Earth. Our lives require healthy oceans for oxygen, food, jobs, medicines and more. Oceans also provide us with opportunities to learn, relax and enjoy nature.

Oceans may seem vast and endless, but human activity is impacting every part of our waters and putting the health of our oceans in jeopardy. There is a solution. Governments, organizations, businesses, communities and individuals can work together to protect more of the ocean, restore habitats and make wise decisions about ocean use.

The Nature Conservancy is working toward a future of healthy oceans that support plants, animals and people for generations. We focus our work on:

We all have a shared responsibility to protect our oceans: to use only what we need, make smarter choices about what we use, and pass on healthy oceans that will continue to support future generations. Find out what you can do to keep oceans healthy.

Conservation Spotlight:

Gulf Coast Restoration
In the wake of the Gulf oil spill, the Conservancy is working to restore the Gulf’s health, productivity and resilience.

We Are All Connected to the Ocean
Keeping the world's oceans healthy is important for all of us. Check out our interactive graphic to find more.

Oyster Reef Restoration in the American South
Across our southern shores, we're providing hope for the oyster's future.

What You Can Do

Get the facts and tips you need to help the Conservancy change the course for our oceans and coasts and the people who depend on them.

Images (left to right, top to bottom): Lagoon at the Palmyra Atoll © Robert Schallenberger; Clown fish in anemone © Daniel and Robbie Wisdom, Scientists © David Wachenfeld/Triggerfish Images

Conservation Spotlight:

Gulf Coast Restoration In the wake of the Gulf oil spill, the Conservancy is working to restore the Gulf’s health, productivity and resilience.

We Are All Connected to the Ocean Keeping the world's oceans healthy is important for all of us. Check out our interactive graphic to find more.

Oyster Reef Restoration in the American South Across our southern shores, we're providing hope for the oyster's future.

What You Can Do

Gulf Coast Restoration
In the wake of the Gulf oil spill, the Conservancy is working to restore the Gulf’s health, productivity and resilience.

We Are All Connected to the Ocean
Keeping the world's oceans healthy is important for all of us. Check out our interactive graphic to find more.

Oyster Reef Restoration in the American South
Across our southern shores, we're providing hope for the oyster's future.