Ocean
Why is the ocean so important?
The ocean is the heart of our planet, pumping oxygen, nutrients, water and weather around the globe. This constant circulation directly and indirectly provides the food and water we need to live and forms the backbone of our economies.
Stats Out of the Blue
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1/2
Half of the oxygen we breathe comes from the natural processes of ocean plankton. That’s every other breath.
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90%
Since the Industrial Revolution, the ocean has absorbed about 90% of the excess heat in our atmosphere.
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3 B
More than 3 billion people depend on fish and other ocean species for food and income.
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8%
Only 8% of the ocean is legally protected.
Our Ocean Goals for 2030
Covering more than 70% of Earth’s surface, the ocean plays an essential role in each of our lives, no matter where we live. TNC intends to conserve 4 billion hectares by 2030—that’s more than 10% of the world’s ocean area—while working with communities on solutions that help protect 100 million people at severe risk of climate-related emergencies.
2030 GoalsOcean Stories
Incredible ocean photos. See what your support could protect.
One of a kind ocean images from around the world. Check out which images from our annual photo contest made the collection.
What Is the Future of Coral Reefs?
As oceans warm and corals face a precipice, scientists are delivering new strategies that could give reefs a fighting chance.
World’s First Nature Bonds Project Reaches Final Step in Seychelles
The small island nation, located east of mainland Africa, has secured a future of marine conservation, climate adaptation and a healthy blue economy.
See What We Are Doing For the Ocean Near You
Covering more than 70% of Earth’s surface, the ocean plays an essential role in each of our lives, no matter where we live.
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Ocean Conservation
Manatees in Crisis in Belize
A short explainer on Blue Carbon
Take a Two-Minute Deep Dive
Strategies for Ocean Conservation
TNC is supporting the world’s goal to protect 30% of the ocean by 2030. The stakes have never been higher. Explore examples of our work around the world to protect marine biodiversity and marine conservation.
Protect & Restore Ocean Habitats
We help protect, restore and improve the management of ocean habitats by:
- Helping coastal countries create sustainable funding to protect their ocean areas (such as by refinancing billions of dollars in debt to secure conservation funds)
- Establishing new protected areas, rebuilding lost reefs and reseeding mangroves, seagrasses and kelp forests
- Sharing the latest science through online and in-person learning platforms, such as the Reef Resilience Network and Global Mangrove Watch, that reach nearly 1 million people and help them to better manage and restore critical marine ecosystems
Reduce Climate’s Impact on Oceans
We tackle climate risks and build coastal resilience by:
- Drastically cutting emissions and removing carbon from the atmosphere.
- Helping coastal communities plan for and adapt to our changing climate through nature-based solutions, such as restoring reefs, mangroves, salt marshes and other habitats that guard against climate-charged storms, sea level rise and erosion.
- Protecting “super reefs” that can survive hotter ocean temperatures, and using them to seed new generations of resilient corals.
- Financing coastal conservation through cutting-edge projects, such as blue carbon resilience credits and insurance policies for reefs and mangroves that pay out when natural disasters strike.
Thriving Fisheries & Aquaculture
Food production has put major pressure on the ocean. Improving how we grow and catch this food can relieve this pressure and restore ocean health. We work with partners to promote responsible fishing and farming and restore healthy fish populations, including by:
- Applying the latest science to make fish and shrimp farming more sustainable and supporting seaweed and shellfish farms that benefit farmers and help restore ocean health.
- Using our FishPath engagement process and tool to help fisheries managers in at least 15 countries set their coastal fisheries on the path to sustainability.
- Partnering with the Marshall Islands and Walmart to transform the global canned tuna supply chain, including by using technology (such as on-board video cameras and sensors) to prevent illegal fishing and limit bycatch of turtles, sharks and dolphins.
More to Explore
Get Involved
We have years, not decades, to solve the climate and biodiversity crises. We can get there, but only if we work together. Discover how you can get involved and do your part to support a world where people and nature thrive together.
