Oceans, Whales & Seafood
All around the world, our oceans are in crisis. Three quarters of global fish stocks are suffering from overfishing, 90 percent of top marine predators are already gone and the ocean is warming from carbon pollution.
Destructive fishing practices destroy critical ocean habitats, pirate fishing harms global fish stocks and as the ocean becomes more vulnerable—it will succumb more quickly to the harmful effects of global warming.
Whale slaughter continues to put endangered species at risk and pollution from land-based sources is turning the oceans into a dumping ground.
Ocean advocates must work harder than ever to chart a new, sustainable course for the oceans before it’s too late. Over the next three years Greenpeace will:
1. Continue to change seafood choices made at a wholesale level by working with supermarket retailers to make sustainable seafood the only choice available.
2. Convince governments and the United Nations that marine reserves are critical to the oceans' future—especially to advocate for setting aside 40% of the world’s oceans as marine reserves.
3. Ensure that the Obama administration uses their diplomatic leverage to close the loopholes and end all commercial whaling.
We’ve made significant progress to turn the tide towards ocean conservation, but a lot more needs to be done in a short time. By working together, we can save the oceans.
What we focus on:
Whale Defenders
A few countries, namely Japan, Norway and Iceland, continue to ignore a 1986 moratorium on commercial whaling—every year they kill thousands of whales to feed a black market of illegal whale meat.
For more than 40 years Greenpeace has been at the forefront of this evolving fight to end this needless slaughter of one the most magnificent creatures on the planet. Read more
Bering Witness
The waters of the Bering Sea-—between Alaska and Russia— are a rich marine environment that’s home to a diverse array of wildlife. Polar bears, seals, sea lions, walruses, whales and millions of seabirds make their home here.
The Bering Sea is also one of the most productive fishing spots in the world. But, the fragile ecosystem cannot sustain this level of commercial fishing without paying a price. Read more
Seafood
The problems taxing the ocean resources translate directly into what's available at the seafood counter. As consumers demand for fish grows, destructive fishing and aquaculture continues to increase to meet the demand. Read more
Marine Reserves
In order to protect the world’s oceans, portions have to be left alone. That’s where marine reserves come into the picture. A marine reserve is like putting a giant “Do Not Disturb” sign around an area of the ocean. These protected areas are so important to the future of our oceans—giving wildlife a safe haven free from danger. Read more
Tuna
Tuna is one of the world's favorite fish. It provides a critical part of the diet for millions of people, as well as being at the core of the world's luxury sashimi markets. But, did you know that globally tuna stocks are under threat?
Our appetite for tuna is pushing the fish closer and closer to extinction. As more and more people consume tuna there has been a surge in the number and capacity of tuna-fishing vessels across the world. Read more
Oceans Reports
A breakdown of ocean related reports, publications, images and news. Read more