Healthy oceans are essential to life on Earth. They support food security, regulate climate, protect coastlines and sustain livelihoods. Yet for too long, our oceans have been undervalued and underinvested — treated as secondary in global climate and development efforts. Now, that’s starting to change.
At this year’s United Nations Oceans Conference (UNOC), a series of commitments, collaborations and financial pledges highlighted a shift in how the global community views the oceans’ role in a sustainable future.
These five developments give us real reasons to be hopeful — and underscore why now is the time to act.
Mexico’s Expansion of Fisheries Refugia
Why it matters: Fish populations rebound when nature has a chance to help.
At UNOC, the Mexican government announced it will create 55 new fisheries refugia — a significant expansion of its existing system. Fisheries refugia are designated areas where fishing is restricted or paused to allow marine populations to recover. What makes this model effective is that it's co-designed and managed by local fishing communities.
The bottom line: Fish populations bounce back when given a chance to grow. When they do, fishers can make more money.
These communities are taking ownership of their resources — improving food security, strengthening local economies and creating lasting opportunity for future generations.
What we’re doing to help: The Walton Family Foundation has supported efforts to develop the principles behind refugia, build local capacity and measure their impact. We are now exploring sustainable financing mechanisms to ensure long-term success and expansion.
The 100% Alliance for Sustainable Ocean Management
Why it matters: National ocean plans that match the scale of the problem
The 100% Alliance, launched by the High Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy, calls on countries to sustainably manage 100% of their national ocean waters. This is significant — many coastal and island nations have vast marine territories that far exceed their land area. In the U.S., public ocean waters are four times larger than public land.
By committing to full management of their exclusive economic zones (EEZs), countries can better protect biodiversity, build coastal resilience and support long-term economic security. As ocean economies continue to grow —
now worth up to $5 trillion globally — this type of planning is essential.
What we’re doing to help: While not a direct partner of the alliance, the foundation has long supported ocean leadership in Mexico and Indonesia, two countries now at the forefront of this movement.
$4 Billion for the Mangrove Breakthrough
Why it matters: Nature-based solutions that protect both people and ecosystems
A coalition of governments and partners announced the Mangrove Breakthrough — a $4-billion initiative to protect and restore 15 million hectares of mangroves by 2030. Mangroves are one of the most powerful tools we have to buffer climate impacts. They reduce storm surge, stabilize coastlines, capture carbon and provide critical nursery habitat for fish.
Healthy mangroves directly support the resilience of coastal communities — making them a cornerstone of climate adaptation.
What we’re watching: The foundation recognizes the central role of mangroves in nature-based ocean solutions and in supporting healthy fisheries. We are exploring ways to support projects that regenerate mangrove ecosystems, to protect nature and support food production.
Progress Against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing
Why it matters: China joins agreement enforcing the rules that make sustainability possible
Illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing undermines global efforts to rebuild fish populations and support sustainable seafood markets. A major development this year was China’s ratification of the Port State Measures Agreement, a key international tool to stop illegal fish from entering ports and markets.
China is the world’s largest seafood producer and a major importer, so its action is a big step forward in the fight against IUU. Combined with increasing use of surveillance technologies and growing political will, this move signals real progress — but gaps remain without full global participation.
What we’re doing to help: The foundation is working with major seafood-importing nations — the U.S., EU, and Japan — to improve market enforcement and transparency. We're also supporting companies in removing IUU seafood from their supply chains, helping level the playing field for law-abiding fishers and building stronger, more sustainable markets.
Putting Oceans at the Center of Climate Action
Why it matters: A global shift in climate priorities
Oceans are finally taking center stage as a solution to climate change — and as nations realize that protecting them is vital to achieving our climate goals. Countries like Brazil and France are calling for oceans to be central to global climate goals through the Blue NDC Challenge, which encourages nations to include ocean action in their national climate plans.
This momentum reflects growing awareness that healthy oceans act as a major carbon sink, help regulate weather and offer climate-smart food systems.
What we’re doing to help: The foundation has funded blue food research and ocean resilience hubs at past climate conferences, helping integrate ocean voices into global climate conversations. We’ve also worked to ensure that oceans are seen as nature-based solutions for climate resilience, food security and economic recovery.
Looking Ahead
There’s no question: our oceans are at a crossroads. But the announcements and collaborations emerging this year could signal a promising chapter — one where the world begins to value oceans as essential to sustaining life on Earth. At the center of it all are the people who depend on the oceans — fishers, families and coastal communities — whose futures are tied to the choices we make today.
If we continue to support local leadership, practical partnerships and nature-based solutions, we have reason for optimism that a more resilient ocean future is possible.
