What they do
Oceana is the largest international advocacy organization focused solely on ocean conservation. Operating in North America, South America, Europe, and Asia, they use science-based campaigns to win policy changes that protect marine ecosystems and rebuild fisheries. Their strategy is focused: target specific, achievable policy wins rather than broad awareness campaigns. Since 2001, they have won over 275 policy victories across 16 countries.
Why they matter
Oceana's model is brutally effective: identify the policy lever, build the scientific case, mobilize public pressure, and win the vote. Their campaign to end bottom trawling in European deep-sea waters succeeded after years of lobbying. Their transparency reports on fishing vessel tracking have exposed illegal activity across multiple ocean basins. In a space full of awareness campaigns, Oceana delivers measurable legal change.
How to support
Sign their active petitions on oceana.org. Donate to fund their policy campaigns. Follow their investigative reports on illegal fishing and bycatch. Share their Seafood Fraud campaign research, which has documented mislabeling in up to 33% of seafood samples tested in the US.
Key project to explore
Oceana's Illegal Fishing and Transparency campaign uses Global Fishing Watch data to identify vessels operating illegally. Their reports have led to enforcement actions in Peru, Brazil, and the Philippines, and influenced the EU IUU fishing regulation.