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No one can protect the ocean alone — but together, we can.
There are many ways to get involved by giving your time, voice, or skills. From volunteering to supporting new solutions or joining inspiring groups, here are some great ways to help protect the ocean.
Find and support ocean-focused organisations
Looking to take action for the ocean? Whether you want to volunteer, share your skills, support a campaign, or connect with ocean organisations, you’re in the right place.
United action
From individual action to collective power
Protecting the ocean starts with individual action, but it doesn’t end there. Real, lasting change also requires collective power. When we come together, our voices are louder. Our pressure is stronger. And our potential to create systemic change is far greater.
What you can do
- Speak up for the ocean. Support global petitions, email your local representatives, and back international laws that protect marine life. Governments have the power to pass and enforce laws. Citizens have the power to demand them.
- Hold corporations accountable and choose brands that commit to ocean safety. Ask questions. Read labels. Support businesses that reduce waste and avoid harmful practices. Join campaigns that pressure polluting industries to clean up. Even small steps like buying pet food with no krill or deep-sea fishmeal in the ingredients help.
- Use your voice where you work. You have power not only as a consumer, but also as an employee or leader in your organisation:
- Encourage your team to join a climate workshop like Climate Fresk.
- Refer to research like McKinsey’s “Profits with Purpose” to make the business case for sustainability.
- Mention the ocean in your meetings and presentations. Even one slide or statistic can plant a seed.
- Use free resources like Going Blue Foundation's downloadable slides to bring ocean topics into your workplace.
- Push your organisation to take full responsibility for the lifecycle of its products:
- Launch take-back schemes.
- Support product repair programmes.
- Audit your waste streams.
- Reduce ocean-harming materials.
- Independently certify how your business operations, product and packaging minimise their impact on the ocean. Oceanic Global have created free step-by-step guides on how to achieve Blue Verification for hotels, restaurants, music, events and offices.
- Build circularity into your business operations. The Ellen MacArthur Foundation provides free guides and resources.
- Join or support grassroots movements. Find local or global organisations holding governments and corporations accountable, and offer your time, skills, or voice to share their work. One example is Lawyers for Nature.
- Vote for ocean protection. Engage with local and national elections. Ask candidates where they stand on ocean protection.
- Talk about it. Help others understand why protecting the ocean is so important. The more we talk about ocean issues, and solutions, the more people care. Share trusted information with your friends, family, and networks.
High Seas Treaty (BBNJ)
Agreed in 2023, this UN treaty enables the protection of biodiversity in international waters. 139 countries have signed it. However, it requires ratification by 60 countries to enter into force. So far, only 50 have ratified.
Global Plastics Treaty
Still under negotiation, this treaty aims to tackle plastic pollution across its entire lifecycle. Public pressure is key to keeping it ambitious and enforceable. Read more about the Global Plastic Treaty, and see key actions you can take.
30x30 Target (Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework)
A commitment to protect at least 30% of the ocean and land by 2030, supported by over 190 countries. Learn more about the 30x30 Target.
Earth Law & Rights of Nature
Legal frameworks that recognise ecosystems as entities with rights. These laws can be used to challenge destructive industrial practices. Learn more and choose how to engage.
Granting legal personhood to whales
Indigenous leaders from Pacific Islands have begun a global movement to grant legal rights to whales. These rights can be used to protect their spaces, and sue those who harm whales or their habitats. Learn more about the Hinemoana Halo Ocean Initiative or sign the petition.
You want to get inspired? Here are some success stories
Other ways to help
Explore what you love, use what you’re good at, and help others do the same.
Here are some ideas:
Host a film screening (like David Attenborough’s Ocean) in your local cinema or school.
Run a viewing party on available streaming platforms.
Design posters or comics for your favourite ocean charity.
Use public art (like murals or sculptures) to raise awareness.
Join artists repurposing waste into art — from plastic murals to whale sculptures.
Host workshops, talks, or webinars about ocean issues.
Partner with museums to create ocean-themed exhibitions.
Explore accessible learning, like Sound Explorations for visually impaired audiences or British Sign Language’s (BSL) new climate vocabulary.
Help NGOs with social media, video editing, or storytelling.
Use your platforms to highlight ocean issues or campaigns.
Support climate litigation or policy cases linked to ocean protection.
Offer pro bono advice to communities impacted by environmental harm.
Discuss the ocean and climate crisis with friends and family. Focus on what matters to them.
Share petitions, email your MP or representative, and encourage others to vote.
Start or support a local petition for ocean protection.
Join campaigns through our NGO list, filtered by advocacy or policy support needs.
Stories to inspire you
Surfers Against Sewage: from protest to a powerful platform
What started as a few surfers protesting sewage pollution has turned into a nationwide movement. Surfers Against Sewage now includes campaigners, educators, researchers, and technologists. They’ve even developed an app that tracks real-time sewage spills along the UK coast, helping communities take action.
Coral Vita: growing and planting corals to restore reefs
Coral Vita grows resilient coral species in land-based nurseries and replants them into degraded reefs. Their work helps protect biodiversity and coastal communities. People and organisations can adopt corals to support the restoration, and volunteers can get involved with planting corals worldwide.
Ocean Action: a global team using their skills for impact
The team behind Ocean Action lives across continents and time zones — and most have never met in person. Yet they’ve combined skills in research, design, strategy, writing, and tech to build a resource hub for ocean action. Their work is proof that collaboration can create global impact, even remotely.
Photo: Ishan Hassan / Ocean Image Bank
Be inspired
Ocean actions in your own words
Photo: Renata Romeo / Ocean Image Bank
Be inspired
Ocean actions in your own words
Photo: Lars von Ritter Zahony / Ocean Image Bank
Be inspired
Ocean actions in your own words
Photo: Emilie Ledwidge / Ocean Image Bank
Be inspired
Ocean actions in your own words
Photo: Giacomo d'Orlando / Climate Visuals
Be inspired
Ocean actions in your own words
Photo: Vincent Kneefel / Ocean Image Bank
Be inspired
Ocean actions in your own words
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