The world's oceans are receiving unprecedented protection as nations across the globe step up their conservation efforts, bringing new hope to marine ecosystems and the countless species that call them home.

In a remarkable demonstration of global commitment, there are now 16,608 marine protected areas (MPAs) spanning nearly 35 million square kilometers of ocean—an area more than twice the size of Russia. This achievement represents a significant 1.2% increase in coverage during 2025 alone, bringing total ocean protection to 9.6% worldwide.

The progress reflects the determination of nearly 200 nations who pledged in December 2022 to protect 30% of Earth's lands and waters by 2030. While there's still work ahead to reach this ambitious goal, the momentum is undeniably building, with inspiring conservation victories emerging from every corner of the globe.

Leading the charge is French Polynesia, which announced plans in June to protect its entire exclusive economic zone—an extraordinary 4.8 million square kilometers of Pacific waters. More than 1 million square kilometers will be highly protected, creating the world's largest marine sanctuary where extractive fishing and mining are prohibited. This bold move sets a powerful example for other nations to follow.

The Pacific region has become a beacon of ocean conservation success. In May, Samoa achieved a milestone by protecting 30% of its ocean territory, creating nine new marine protected areas that safeguard 35,936 square kilometers of biodiversity-rich deep trenches and seamounts. These waters provide crucial habitat for critically endangered hawksbill sea turtles and rare endemic fish species found nowhere else on Earth.

The Marshall Islands joined this wave of Pacific conservation by establishing a 48,000-square-kilometer marine sanctuary around the uninhabited Bikar and Bokak atolls. These remote northern waters boast the highest reef fish biomass in the Pacific Ocean, representing some of Earth's most pristine coral reef ecosystems.

Conservation victories aren't limited to the Pacific. The Philippines created the Panaon Island Protected Seascape in August, safeguarding 612 square kilometers within the Coral Triangle—home to more marine species than anywhere else on Earth. The protected waters provide sanctuary for endangered whale sharks and Philippine ducks.

Even Pakistan, with its relatively small coastline, made meaningful contributions by declaring protection for the Miani Hor Lagoon in September. Though modest in size at 43 square kilometers, this biodiversity hotspot protects vital mangrove forests and provides habitat for Dalmatian pelicans and endangered Indian Ocean humpback dolphins.

These achievements demonstrate that ocean conservation is gaining traction across diverse nations and regions. While conservationists note that strengthening enforcement and ensuring true protection beyond "paper parks" remains important, the expanding network of marine sanctuaries represents genuine progress toward healing our oceans.

As more nations recognize the critical importance of marine ecosystems for biodiversity, climate regulation, and human wellbeing, the momentum toward the 30% protection goal continues to build. Each new protected area brings renewed hope that we can secure a thriving ocean for generations to come.