The State of Our Waters in 2026: The Good, the Bad, and the Preventable

Three Good Things About Ocean Conservation

• Expansion of Marine Protected Areas: There’s some good news for our oceans: marine protected areas are growing fast! French Polynesia recently created the world’s largest MPA, protecting nearly 5 million square kilometers of ocean from harmful activities like deep-sea mining and bottom trawling. These protections help restore habitats, support sustainable tourism, and give science a chance to thrive. Even more inspiring, some small island nations are working to protect 30% of their waters by 2030, giving marine life a real shot at recovery.
• International Ocean Treaty Momentum: The world came together in a big way for our oceans this year. Countries agreed on the High Seas Treaty, the first-ever global agreement to protect life in international waters. This means we can create new protected zones in the open ocean, helping fish and wildlife thrive wherever they swim. It’s a huge step toward the goal of protecting 30% of our oceans by 2030, and a sign that ocean health is finally getting the attention it deserves.
• Seagrass and Coastal Habitat Restoration: People power is making a difference for our coasts! In Scotland, volunteers and conservation groups have planted hundreds of thousands of seagrass seeds, bringing new life to eelgrass meadows. These underwater gardens are nurseries for fish and powerful carbon sinks, helping fight climate change. Restoring seagrasses, mangroves, and other blue carbon habitats is a win for wildlife, our climate, and communities everywhere.

Five Ongoing Threats to Our Ocean

• Ocean Warming: Our oceans are feeling the heat. As the planet warms, the oceans soak up most of that extra heat, changing life underwater in big ways. Many marine species are on the move, searching for cooler waters, which shakes up entire ecosystems. Coral reefs are especially vulnerable—even a small temperature rise can cause coral bleaching, leaving these vibrant habitats weakened or lost. When corals suffer, so does the incredible web of life that depends on them.
• Ocean Acidification: Another growing problem is ocean acidification, which results from the absorption of atmospheric carbon dioxide. This process changes the chemical makeup of seawater, making it more acidic. Increased acidity reduces the ability of organisms such as corals, shellfish, and certain plankton to form shells and skeletons. Since many of these organisms are essential to the marine food web, their decline threatens fish populations and the livelihoods of communities that depend on fishing.
• Plastic Pollution: Plastic pollution is still piling up in our oceans. Every year, millions of tons of plastic end up in the water, breaking down into tiny microplastics that are now found everywhere, from the surface to the deep sea. Sea turtles, fish, and seabirds often mistake plastic for food, putting their lives at risk. These plastics don’t just harm wildlife; they can also make their way into our food, affecting people, too.
• Overfishing: Overfishing is putting a real strain on our oceans. When we take more fish than nature can replace, populations drop and ecosystems lose their balance. Some fishing methods, like bottom trawling, also damage habitats and catch animals like turtles, sharks, and dolphins by accident. Protecting marine life means giving fish and other creatures a chance to recover.
• Loss of Coastal Ecosystems: Our coastlines are losing some of their best defenders. Mangroves, seagrass meadows, and wetlands are disappearing fast because of pollution, development, and rising seas. These habitats protect our shores, store carbon, and give young marine life a safe place to grow. When we lose them, we lose biodiversity and our natural shield against storms and climate change.

Five Ways to Prevent Further Deterioration

• Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Cutting greenhouse gas emissions is one of the best ways we can help our oceans. By choosing renewable energy, supporting clean energy policies, and making small changes, like biking or carpooling, we can slow ocean warming and acidification. Every action, big or small, adds up to a healthier ocean.
• Limit Plastic Use and Improve Waste Management: Reducing plastic pollution is critical for protecting marine life. Individuals can help by using reusable bags, bottles, and containers instead of single-use plastics. Proper waste disposal and recycling also prevent trash from reaching waterways that lead to the ocean. On a larger scale, governments and companies can invest in better waste management systems and develop biodegradable alternatives to plastic. Reducing plastic at its source is far more effective than removing it from the ocean later.
• Support Sustainable Fishing Practices: Choosing sustainable seafood is a simple way to help our oceans. When we support responsible fishing, we give fish populations a chance to bounce back. Governments can help by setting smart fishing limits and protecting endangered species. Marine protected areas also give ecosystems space to heal, making sure coastal communities have healthy oceans for years to come.
• Protect and Restore Coastal Ecosystems: Healthy coasts mean healthy oceans. By protecting mangroves, coral reefs, seagrass beds, and wetlands, we help wildlife, prevent erosion, and fight climate change. Restoration projects, like planting mangroves or rebuilding reefs, can bring these habitats back to life. When we limit development and cut pollution, we give coastal ecosystems the chance to thrive.
• Increase Education, Awareness, and Global Cooperation: Learning about our oceans is the first step to protecting them. When we know how our choices matter, we’re more likely to act for the planet. Schools, media, and community groups can all help spread the word. And since our oceans connect us all, working together across borders is the only way to solve big challenges like climate change and pollution.

Heather Sinfield

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