marine protected areas
Coverage of marine protected areas in the Nexus archive.
- Blue justice: Asia-Pacific’s crucial ocean governance test
The Asia-Pacific is undergoing a significant transformation in ocean governance, with governments expanding marine protected areas, investing in blue carbon initiatives, deploying digital fisheries monitoring systems, and emphasizing the ocean's role in climate resilience and economic growth. The 2026 Our Ocean Conference highlighted this momentum.
- Offshore Oil and Gas Rush Threatens Whale Corridors and Coral Reefs
Global offshore oil, gas, and liquefied natural gas development is expanding into ecologically critical marine habitats, including marine protected areas, coral reefs in Kenya, Caribbean seagrass meadows, and Arctic whale migration corridors. A new report highlights the overlap between fossil fuel projects and these vital ecosystems.
- Africa: With 2030 Looming, Ocean Leaders Warn Time Is Running Out for 30x30
Ocean conservation leaders warn that time is running out to meet the 30x30 goal of protecting 30% of the planet's oceans by 2030. The High Seas Treaty (BBNJ agreement) is critical for establishing Marine Protected Areas in the open seas, as nearly half of the ocean surface previously had minimal protection.
- Namibia: Namibia Targets 11 Percent Marine Protection
Namibia has set a target to increase its protected marine areas from 1.7% to 11% by 2030.
- Abandoned tuna fishing gear smashes corals, harms wildlife in marine refuges, study finds
Abandoned fish aggregating devices (FADs) used in tuna fishing are damaging coral reefs and harming wildlife, even within marine protected areas, according to a Canadian study. Researchers highlight potential solutions to make tuna fishing more sustainable.