Protect the oceans

The oceans are in crisis, but together we have the power to save them, and the wildlife that calls them home.

Take action
Underwater shot showing surgeon fish and parrot fish swimming over a coral bed in Western Australia

South Pacific seamounts expedition

We’re embarking on an exciting journey to uncover the secrets of the deep. Follow along and find out what’s at stake.

Follow the ship’s log
Three members of the Greenpeace Seamounts Expedition stand on the deck of the specialist research vessel looking at the camera with the ocean behind them. From left to right Kat Goddard, lead researcher, Ellie Hooper, oceans campaigner, Dr Paige Maroni, polar and deep-sea molecular biologist
A manta ray swims just under the ocean's surface while small fish swim below

The oceans are in crisis

The oceans cover over 70% of the world’s surface. They provide food, sink carbon and are home to over half of all life on this planet.

But these great, blue expanses are being emptied of life and filled with trash thanks to human activity.

To protect all sea life, we must challenge industrial fisheries and stop destructive practices like seabed mining. By creating ocean sanctuaries, we can let marine wildlife recover and replenish.

But there’s hope. It’s not too late. We can still rebuild our great blue planet, together.

A Global Oceans Treaty

In March 2023, history was made when governments agreed on a Global Oceans Treaty at the United Nations. This agreement puts in place the possibility of worldwide protection through the creation of global ocean sanctuaries.

The goal is to protect 30% of the world’s oceans by 2030. This is what scientists say is needed to avoid the worst of the climate and biodiversity crisis.

Now the structure is in place, the next step is identifying and creating these global ocean sanctuaries.

Sign the petition
Filmaker Fábio Erdos holds a banner that reads Protect The Oceans under water, next to the Greenpeace ship the Arctic Sunrise in the Pacific Ocean

Seabed mining – a new threat to the oceans

Seabed mining, or deep sea mining, is the newest threat that the oceans face. It involves digging up the sea floor to extract valuable metals.

It’s an extremely destructive form of mining that would damage marine ecosystems beyond repair.

But in New Zealand, seabed mining could start in the South Taranaki Bight thanks to the Fast-Track Bill. This would put rare and endangered animals at risk – such as pygmy blue whales, Māui dolphins, Hector’s dolphins and kororā.

With your help, we can stop seabed mining before it starts. Sign our petition today!

Sign the petition
Find out more

Ban bottom trawling

Bottom trawling is a method of fishing that involves dragging heavy weighted nets across the sea floor. It’s highly destructive as it catches and damages everything in its path – including coral, turtles and many juvenile fish.

In New Zealand, bottom trawling is still permitted. In fact, New Zealand is the only country still trawling in the South Pacific high seas.

Greenpeace is campaigning to ban bottom trawling, particularly in key marine areas, like on seamounts and the Hauraki Gulf.

Sign the petition
Find out more
A school of red and blue fish swim above a coral reef in the Galapagos

More on oceans

  • See all stories

    • Discover more about the oceans, marine wildlife and the threats faced

    Prev
    Next
  • See all stories

    • The oceans need your help

    Greenpeace works to protect all the amazing marine life that call the ocean home. Support our work through a regular donation or a one-off gift.

    Donate now
    Issues