Oceans

The ocean is the origin and engine of all life on Earth.

Oceans generate the oxygen we breathe, nourish billions of people, cool down the atmosphere and add trillions of dollars to the global economy. But overfishing, pollution and climate change have pushed our oceans to the brink. We must begin repairing the damage.

From vibrant coastlines to the most remote reaches of the ocean, Conservation International is working to protect ecosystems and livelihoods, improve how ocean resources are used, and build resilience to climate change. At every step, we center local leadership and knowledge to ensure lasting impact for all.

Marine Protection

We support the creation, expansion, and effective management of marine protected areas, Indigenous- and community-led conservation, and other enduring forms of ocean protection from the coastlines out to the furthest reaches of the high seas.

Coastal Restoration & Adaptation

We accelerate the restoration of coastal and marine ecosystems — including blue carbon habitats — to harness nature’s power to protect communities from climate threats, including rising seas, stronger storms, and shifting coastlines.

Sustainable Fisheries

We strengthen sustainability and equity in coastal and offshore fisheries by supporting inclusive decision-making, fair markets, and practical solutions informed by local knowledge and cutting-edge science to support fishers and ocean-reliant communities as critical stewards of marine ecosystems–thus protecting biodiversity while improving livelihoods.

Learn more about Conservation International’s Center for Oceans

As a founding member of the Blue Nature Alliance, we are accelerating large-scale ocean conservation worldwide by expanding and strengthening marine protected areas. Since 2020, our partnerships have brought over 10 million km² of ocean under new, expanded, or upgraded levels of protection, safeguarding critical marine ecosystems and ensuring thriving oceans for people and wildlife alike.

Learn more about the Blue Nature Alliance

Help us protect our oceans

Earth’s oceans provide much of the air that we breathe and food that we eat. But overfishing, pollution and climate change have pushed our oceans to the brink. You can help reverse this trend by supporting Conservation International in our efforts to expand marine protected areas, restore degraded coastal ecosystems and strengthen sustainable fisheries.

Donate Now

Your donation can help:

$28

MEXICO

remove abandoned fishing gear, which can trap and kill marine life

$43

PACIFIC

monitor shifting tuna populations, vital sources of revenue for many island nations

$116

PALAU

fund a sustainable hatchery that will help revive wild clam populations

$258

GALAPAGOS

convert fish processing waste, diverting emissions and creating fertilizer

Donate Now

10+M sq. km. of ocean protected since 2019

A Closer Look

We work in more than 100 countries, putting science into practice, bringing big ideas to life and securing the ocean's bounties for future generations. Check out these clips from the front lines of ocean conservation.

In January 2026, the High Seas Treaty officially became international law. The high seas, the waters beyond national jurisdiction, represent 64% of the ocean. For the first time in history, humanity has the tools to create marine protected areas in the high seas, strengthen environmental safeguards, and ensure this vast area is governed equitably and sustainably. Haydée Rodriguez, Conservation International Senior Director of Blue Protection, explores what happens next and how we’re working to turn this Agreement into action for the benefit of people and the planet alike.

In Mexico, we are tackling one of the ocean’s silent threats: ghost nets. We provide training and support to the Sirenas de Mexico – women from fishing communities who are removing ghost nets and restoring marine habitats. By building local capacity, we are helping communities protect coastlines and marine life.

How do we protect Hawaii's ocean and the people who depend on it? In partnership with Conservation International, local fishers, chefs, and community leaders are showing the way through culture, innovation and collaboration. By turning invasives into community resources and reimagining fish leather as a wearable art, chefs are transforming every piece of fish into something worth celebrating.

Voices from Field

Hear Ashleigh McGovern share her perspective on the oceans’ essential role in our lives. Recounting her time among thriving mangroves, she uncovers the carbon-rich soil beneath and highlights how we work tirelessly to protect vast oceans and coastal ecosystems. Her message is clear: hope is found in action.

--:--

Ashleigh McGovern, Senior Vice President, Conservation International Center for Oceans

Let’s write the future together

I donated because we get life from the ocean, and if we want to keep living, we must honor, support and keep our ocean pristine for marine life.”

Elise, Texas, United States, donor

The ocean holds the power to confront two of the greatest challenges of our time: the climate crisis and the loss of biodiversity. But this potential will only be realized if we act boldly and in partnership. Join us in scaling what works, advancing what is possible, and realizing impact where it matters most. The ocean cannot wait, and neither can we.

Donate now Donate now

Our ocean is one-of-a-kind. Together, we can protect our blue planet

Invest in nature

Every private donation helps unlock additional funding from governments, foundations, companies and other global institutions. We can multiply your impact by up to 300%.

The Current

The Current is a growing community of monthly donors whose steady support provides critical resources to our field teams and helps sustain our work throughout the year.

The Emerald Circle

The Emerald Circle is a community of dedicated donors who help us stay nimble and seize exciting new opportunities with annual giving of $1,000+ or monthly gifts of $84+.