Just 8.1 per cent of the global ocean is under some level of protection, and only 2.8 per cent is fully protected. Blue Marine’s mission is to see at least 30 per cent under effective protection by 2030. Key to this is securing marine protected areas (MPAs) – specified areas where fishing and other extractive activities are restricted or regulated – and ensuring they are effectively managed. Over the past 15 years, Blue Marine has worked in the UK and around the world to support the establishment of MPAs that protect species, habitats, cultural heritage and ecosystems.
In 2010, Blue Marine was instrumental in the establishment of the largest MPA around Chagos in the Indian Ocean. Over the next 15 years, with multiple partners, including the Great British Oceans coalition, we helped establish MPAs in the UK and overseas, including a UK government commitment to protect more than 4 million sq km around its Overseas Territories.