Oceans

The oceans regulate our climate, provide for billions of people and are home to so much biodiversity.

But they’re under threat from climate change, industrial fishing, plastic pollution, and the threats of deep sea mining. Ocean protection can’t wait any longer.

Turtle in East Pacific Ocean. © Alex Hofford / Greenpeace

What We’re Facing

Our oceans are in crisis — and so are we. The very systems that sustain life below water are being pushed to collapse. Oil exploration, the effects of global warming, land reclamation projects, and plastic pollution are causing extremely negative impacts on marine ecosystems and marine life.

Great Barrier Reef Coral Bleaching around Fitzroy Island and Green Island. © Abram Powell / Greenpeace

Coral reefs at risk

Malaysia, part of the Coral Triangle, the most biodiverse marine region on Earth, now has only 47.83% live coral cover left. (Source)

Fishing Operations on Chinese Fishing Vessel in Guinea. © Pierre Gleizes / Greenpeace

Barely protected, yet exploited

Though they cover nearly half the planet, only 1% of the high seas are protected — leaving fragile marine habitats exposed to industrial fishing, deep-sea mining, and unchecked exploitation. (Source)

Shell Oil Spill in the Gulf of Mexico. © Derick Hingle / Greenpeace

Oceans are absorbing our damage

Our oceans absorb about 30% of the CO₂ we produce, but they’re reaching a breaking point. Acidification, rising temperatures, and habitat degradation threaten marine life — and our climate stability. (Source)

What We’re Building Together

We envision living, thriving oceans, where marine life is protected, coastlines are resilient, and the people who depend on the sea are treated with dignity, not exploited.


No plastic, no poison

Ban single-use plastics and industrial waste, such as oil spill, that choke our oceans and poison marine ecosystems.


End forced labour at sea

No one is exploited for profit. Migrant fishers work with dignity, while coastal communities lead and benefit from sustainable oceans.


Thriving marine ecosystems

Safeguard biodiversity hotspots like Malaysia’s coral triangle from destructive fishing and pollution.


Protected blue planet

Coral reefs, fish populations, and biodiversity bounce back — protected from overfishing, deep-sea mining, and pollution.

Our Work for Oceans

From bold global action to direct public engagement, we work across borders to protect and restore our oceans.

2022 Ocean 30x30 Drone Show in Seoul, Korea. © Greenpeace / Sungwoo Lee

Global Oceans Treaty

After years of tireless campaigning, a historic agreement was reached to safeguard marine life in international waters. We continue pushing governments to ratify and enforce it, turning promises into protection.

Rainbow Warrior Climate Justice Ship Tour - Open Boat in Malaysia. © TAN CHIA WAY / Greenpeace

Ship Tours

Our iconic Rainbow Warrior ship has sailed through Southeast Asia’s rich waters, from Indonesia and Malaysia, bringing the call for ocean protection to life. At every port, we work with local communities, amplify their stories, and build momentum to safeguard our seas.

How you can help

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Together we are part of a growing, global movement determined to bring about the changes our planet desperately needs.