🌐 UN · SDG Goal 14

Protect Life
Below Water

Oceans cover over 70% of Earth's surface

More than 80% of ocean life is still unexplored

Coral reefs support millions of marine species

Plastic pollution harms marine ecosystems

Corals produce over 50% of oxygen

Deep sea creatures survive without sunlight

71%
of Earth coverd
by ocean

80%
of ocean pollution
from land-based sources

34%
of fish stocks
currently overfished

8M
tonnes of plastic
enter seas each year

50%
of coral reefs lost
in past 30 years

The Ocean Crisis — & What You Can Do

The ocean sustains us — from the air we breathe to the food we eat.
Here's what's at stake and how you can help.


Plastic bottles and marine debris polluting a sandy beach
🗑️ POLLUTION

The Plastic Crisis

Every year, 8 million tonnes of plastic waste enter our oceans. Marine animals mistake plastic for food, and microplastics now appear in fish, drinking water, and even the human bloodstream.

  • 🛍️Refuse single-use plastics — carry your own reusable bag & bottle
  • 🏖️Join a local beach or river clean-up event near you
  • ♻️Choose products with minimal or fully recyclable packaging
Bleached white coral reef with minimal sea life due to ocean warming
🪸 Ecosystems

Coral Reef Collapse

Coral reefs host 25% of all marine species yet cover less than 1% of the ocean floor. Rising sea temperatures have bleached and destroyed vast reef systems — once gone, entire ecosystems collapse.

  • 🚌Reduce your carbon footprint — use public transport or cycle
  • 💛Support reef restoration organisations and charities
  • 🧴Use reef-safe sunscreen when swimming in the ocean
Fishing nets on a boat at sunrise, representing overfishing challenges
🐟 Overfishing

Overfishing & Food Security

Over 3 billion people rely on seafood as their primary protein source. Yet 34% of global fish stocks are overfished. Without sustainable fishing reforms, communities face hunger and collapsing livelihoods.

  • 🏷️Choose seafood with the MSC sustainability certificate
  • 📅Reduce seafood consumption and try plant-based alternatives
  • 🏞️Support policies that protect Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)
Watch & Learn

Understanding SDG 14 in Action 🎬

Watch this United Nations overview of the challenges facing our oceans and the global commitment to protecting them.


thumbnail of youtube video

Deep Dive

Explore Our Research Topics

Learn about critical ocean studies tackling environmental challenges, conservation strategies, and the future of marine life.


Ready to Make an Impact? 🚀

Use our interactive Action Impact Simulator to discover how your everyday choices add up to protect our ocean.


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