Work to Protect Oceans & Coasts | Marine Conservation | The Nature Conservancy

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Oceans and Coasts

How We Work

Conserving marine habitat around the world for people and nature.

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TNC biologist, Mike Beck, performs a rockfish survey in the upper canopy of a giant kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera) forest in Asilomar, Monterey as part of a UC Santa Cruz joint research project, California. © Richard Herrmann

The Nature Conservancy is the only conservation organization working on marine issues in all U.S. coastal states and territories and internationally, in more than 30 countries. We work in coastal and offshore waters — the part of the ocean where conservation can make the biggest difference.

We keep marine habitats healthy and bring degraded ones back to life using practical, lasting solutions. By partnering with key stakeholders — local communities, fishers, businesses, governments, and other non-profits — we invest in the right places to produce tangible results.

We have the ability to reach far, both geographically and politically, applying 60 years of experience in land conservation to the ocean. Using our understanding of science and policy, we turn theories and concepts into real solutions and tangible results in the water.

Latest News & Features

Along the coastal waters, land and sea intertwine in the tangle of twisted mangrove forest that encircles the islands of Micronesia. These rich resources have sustained Pohnpeians for centuries. Nourished by extraordinary amounts of rain, this rugged place teems with birds, butterflies, lizards and hundreds of native plants found nowhere else. © Ami Vitale

Restoration Week

In honor of World Oceans Day on June 8, we're celebrating healthy oceans and highlighting Conservancy projects that are restoring coasts around the globe.
Mangroves are important not only as a buffer for coastal areas but also for the shelter, food and nursery grounds they provide for fish, crustaceans and shellfish such as these oysters in Fisherman Bogue, Turneffe Atoll, which is a priority conservation site for the Conservancy in the Belize portion of the Mesoamerican Reef. © Julianne Robinson Stockbridge

Helping Marine Life Adapt

Helping people and marine life adapt to climate change.
auling seine nets during commercial salmon fishing operations off the outer islands laying west of Prince of Whales Island, southeast Alaska. The Nature Conservancy is involved in stream restoration and sustainable forestry projects on Prince of Wales Island which help protect the regions salmon fishery. © Bridget Besaw

Fisheries

Developing better approaches for fisheries.

Read More

Lion in Maasai Mara, Kenya, Africa. © Kenneth K. Coe

Close Encounters with Nature

Whether scary or exciting, nature has a way of sneaking up on you. See stories

Arden O’Connor. © Lajla LeBlanc

Nature Matters

Hear some of nature's success stories and see how nature matters to us all. Watch videos

Protect Oceans and Coasts

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Palmyra Atoll. © Robert Shallenberger

When you donate today, you’ll help The Nature Conservancy preserve precious marine habitat.

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