Why we support 30x30.

The ocean connects everything. It regulates our climate, holds most of the life on earth, and feeds billions. It drives local economies and global weather. But it’s under pressure.

Industrial activity is pushing marine ecosystems to the brink. A third of the world’s fisheries are pushed beyond their ability to restock. Rising sea temperatures are causing widespread coral bleaching.

We can make our oceans healthier for us and for our kids by supporting 30x30: a global goal to protect at least 30 per cent of our oceans by 2030.

A bird's eye view of a marine turtle swimming at the surface of the ocean, with its head raised out of the water. It is swimming over an area where the seafloor drops away suddenly, creating a striking background where half the image is a light olive-blue and half a deep aquamarine.

Credit: Michael Haluwana.

Agreed by over 190 countries under the Global Biodiversity Framework, it’s one of the most ambitious conservation efforts in history and one of the most practical.

When done well, 30x30 works by creating networks of marine protected areas, places where human activity is carefully managed or restricted to allow nature to recover and thrive.

These areas act as safe havens for marine life, helping ecosystems bounce back and fish populations rebuild. And the benefits don’t stay within the boundaries, they spill over into surrounding waters and communities.

Healthy oceans support local livelihoods, food security, cultural identity and economic resilience – especially in coastal and island nations.

30x30 is not just an environmental target – it’s a practical way to rebuild the ocean’s health and support the people and industries who depend on it.

The 30x30 goal will:

A side on view of a large school of open water fish swimming in a gently curved diagonal from the top left to bottom right of screen. The ocean background goes from a bright aqua at the top right to a dark navy at the bottom left.

Rebuild fish populations

Genuine marine protected areas – particularly no-take zones – can increase fish biomass by up to 500 per cent. These areas allow ecosystems to recover and help replenish fish stocks in surrounding waters.

A fisherman in bright orange waterproofs and a blue hooded vest hauls a catch of fish onto the a fishing vessel. He stands with his back to the camera and is operating a hydraulic pulley. There are four seabirds flying around the net, silhouetted against the bright pre-sunset sun.

Provide certainty for industry

Protecting key marine areas offers structure and stability in the face of overfishing, climate disruption and ecological decline. For the fishing sector, it supports long-term access to fish stocks, reduces the effects of unpredictable changes and strengthens future yields.

A man standing in ankle deep water casts a round fishing net into the sea. The photo has captured the moment as the gathered net begins to spread out mid-air. The man is facing away from the camera, towards the rising sun, which is giving the photo an orange-pink tint.

Deliver economic and community benefits

Well-managed and properly financed marine protection areas support food security and job creation in coastal communities. Marine protection can reduce supply chain risk, strengthen tourism and contribute to more resilient ocean-based economies.

A thriving coral reef with a large number of pink and orange anthias fish swimming over the brightly coloured soft and hard corals. The photo is a low angle so the bright blue surface of the sea can be seen.

Support global biodiversity and climate goals

Marine protection is essential to reversing the loss of marine plants and animals, and supports resilience to climate change – helping ensure ocean ecosystems can keep thriving well into the future.

We’re backing the people and partnerships turning global commitments into real protection and helping to scale what works, where it matters most.

Effective marine protection

Working with governments, scientists and local communities to improve marine protected area design, enforcement and management – including as a partner in the Blue Nature Alliance and through initiatives like Hifadhi Blu in the Western Indian Ocean.

Sustainable finance

Providing early-stage, high-impact investment to unlock long-term ocean conservation – including piloting a $10 million Marine 30x30 Finance Program in three countries.

Smarter ocean monitoring

Scaling access to next-generation monitoring tools like eDNA, AI and remote sensing through programs like OceanOmics.

Global leadership and policy

Supporting implementation of international frameworks like the High Seas Treaty, and highlighting ocean priorities at global events including the United Nations Ocean Conference and the Indian Ocean Forum.

Storytelling and engagement

Co-producing Ocean with David Attenborough through Minderoo Pictures, and using storytelling to connect science to action.

Right now is a key time to protect the ocean. What we decide in the coming years will shape our future for the next decade and beyond.

A bird's eye view of three mottled dark grey and white stingrays swimming over a shallow sandy bay with patchy growth of seaweed. The water is a light turquoise and so shallow that the stingrays' shadows can be seen on the sandy bottom.