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June 30, 2026

Positive ocean news: The power of ocean advocacy 

 

The first half of the year has shown how powerful ocean advocacy can be. Across Europe, and beyond, we’re seeing progress in protecting marine habitats. While challenges remain, one thing is clear: momentum for ocean advocacy is building, and it’s being driven by policy, science, and people.  

High seas treaty officially entered into force on 17 January 2026   

On 17 January 2026, the High Seas Treaty officially entered into force. This creates a historic opportunity to finally protect ocean life beyond national borders.  

Now it’s up to the world leaders to turn this promise into real protection using this new legal groundwork.  

Azores marine park moves forward  

In the North Atlantic, The Azores, a chain of islands off Portugal leads by example. With the approval of management rules for the Azores Marine Park- the largest marine reserve network in the North Atlantic, covering 30% of Azores waters. Half of this network is now fully protected as with true no-take zones, areas where no extractive activities such as fishing, mining, or other resource removal are allowed. 

It’s a milestone not just for Portugal but also for Europe, a clear signal that large-scale ocean protection is possible.  

Launch of OceanEye to boost ocean intelligence  

OceanEye is the EU’s new initiative to strengthen ocean research, knowledge and innovation, with ambitious goals to position Europe as a global leader in ocean intelligence. 

Overall, Oceana welcomes the EU’s OceanEye initiative as a positive step towards stronger and more coordinated ocean monitoring. Better data is essential to understand the growing pressures on the ocean, from climate change and loss of biodiversity, to fishing impacts and seabed damage.  

At the same time, the success of OceanEye will depend on how this knowledge is used. The real test is whether OceanEye helps governments act and supports enforceable decisions on fisheries, marine protection and restoration.  

Throughout the years, we have seen that many marine protected areas have been designated thanks to the data and images from Oceana’s expeditions, supported by advocacy. Proving that if done right, OceanEye can help turn knowledge into action and accelerate ocean protection.  

20,000+ actions from Wavemakers  

At the heart of this progress, is something just as important: people. 

So far this year, over 20,000 actions have been taken by our Wavemaker community. From supporting the #HandsOffNature campaign to calling for 30% ocean protection by 2030, thousands of individuals are stepping up for the ocean.  

Each action shows that public demand for ocean protection is stronger than ever.  

Progress is happening and now is the time to be part of it. This Ocean Action Month, Take action or Donate and help in securing a healthier ocean.