Marine protected areas expanded in 2025, but still far from 30% goal

In December 2022, nearly 200 nations committed to protecting 30% of Earth’s lands and waters by 2030. As of 2025, about 9.6% of the world’s oceans are now covered by marine protected areas, according to the latest global tracking data by the World Database on Protected Areas. This marks a 1.2% increase in 2025, up from 8.4% coverage in 2024. Read more here.

Researchers make stunning discovery inside restricted ocean area: ‘Encouraging signs’

Half a century after commercial whaling bans began reshaping ocean policy, new research is offering rare good news about how long-term conservation can actually work. Read more here.

EU seeks submissions for European Maritime Day events in 2026

The European Commission has announced a call for submissions for the “European Maritime Day In My Country 2026” for events that will be held across Europe from 1 April to 31 October 2026. Read more here.

New guidebook advances social equity in marine conservation

In 2025, CEESP supported the launch of the Guidebook for Assessing and Improving Social Equity in Marine Conservation, published ahead of the 2025 IUCN World Conservation Congress. Read more here.

PADI marks 60 years of ocean conservation

Founded by John Cronin and Ralph Erickson in a small US flat, PADI has grown to include 6,600 dive centres and resorts across more than 180 countries, certifying over 30 million divers. The organisation’s commitment to ocean conservation and diver education has made it a leader in the field. Read more here.