Oceans

There is so much more below the waves for us to discover.

They contain some of the largest and least visible creatures on Earth, and some of the most intelligent too. Nearly 200,000 species have been identified, but actual numbers could be in the millions.

Reef Life in Big Island, Hawaii. © Lorenzo Moscia / Greenpeace

47.83%

level of Malaysia’s live coral cover in 2022, with Malaysia being 1 of 6 countries in the ‘Coral Triangle’, an area recognised by scientists to contain the world’s richest marine biodiversity.
Source: Reef Check

Only 1%

of the high seas alone are protected globally.
Source: World Economic Forum

30%

of the CO2 produced by humans is absorbed by the oceans.
Source: UN

Arctic Sunrise Protests Arctic Oil Drilling in Barents Sea. © Nick Cobbing / Greenpeace

The problem

The oceans are essential for life and the balance of the planet. However, oil exploration, the climate crisis, land reclamation projects and plastic pollution are causing extremely negative impacts on marine ecosystems and marine life.

These negative impacts range from reducing coral cover and aggravating coral bleaching, to devastating marine life population which in turn impacts the livelihood of surrounding fishing communities.

Understand the issues better

Protect the Oceans Banner in the Pacific Ocean. © Tomás Munita / Greenpeace

What we do

Estimates indicate that we still do not know 80% of the life that exists in the seas, in other words, we are putting a true and unique natural treasure at risk. Around the world we are working toward a Global Plastics Treaty to stop plastic pollution at its source before it reaches our oceans.

In addition to a Global Oceans Treaty to protect 30% of our oceans by 2030. These ocean sanctuaries will help marine life and ecosystems to recover and thrive.

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