Discover how people are working to protect the oceans for future generations.
The ocean faces a number of environmental challenges, including pollution, overfishing, and habitat loss. Ocean conservation involves the actions people take to protect marine environments and the animals that depend on them.
Learn how plastic, chemicals, and other waste can affect ocean health.
Learn MoreDiscover why removing too many fish can disrupt ocean ecosystems.
Learn MoreSee how coastal development and damage can threaten marine habitats.
Learn MoreExplore how warming waters and other changes affect marine life.
Learn MoreLearn how certain ocean regions are set aside to help wildlife recover.
Learn MoreDiscover the strategies scientists and communities use to protect oceans.
Learn MoreFind simple ways that individuals can help support ocean health.
Learn MorePollution enters the ocean from many sources, including plastic waste, chemical runoff, and oil spills. Plastic debris can harm marine animals that mistake it for food or become entangled in it, and pollution can also affect water quality across large areas.
Overfishing occurs when fish are caught faster than their populations can naturally recover. This can reduce fish numbers, disrupt food webs, and affect the livelihoods of people who depend on fishing for food and income.
Coastal development, damaging fishing practices, and pollution can destroy important marine habitats such as coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass beds. Losing these habitats can reduce shelter and food sources for many ocean species.
Rising ocean temperatures, changing chemistry, and shifting currents can affect marine ecosystems in complex ways. These changes may influence coral health, species distribution, and the timing of important natural events like migration and breeding.
Marine protected areas are regions of the ocean where human activities are limited or managed to help protect wildlife and habitats. These areas can give ecosystems a chance to recover and can serve as important habitats for vulnerable species.
Scientists, governments, and organizations use strategies such as sustainable fishing practices, pollution reduction, habitat restoration, and research to help protect ocean environments. International cooperation is often important because ocean ecosystems cross many borders.
Individuals can support ocean health by reducing plastic use, disposing of waste properly, conserving water, and learning more about marine ecosystems. Small actions, when adopted by many people, can add up to a meaningful positive impact.