January 10, 2025
10 Big Wins for the Oceans in 2024
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BY: Liv Ward
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With so much focus on the challenges facing the planet in 2024, it’s easy to miss the wins. But amidst the noise, there have been some big wins for the oceans this past year that offer a reason to celebrate! From marine habitat protection to groundbreaking research and inspiring community efforts, 2024 proved that good news is out there.
Here are 10 inspiring wins for the oceans that remind us what progress looks like.
1) CANADA PROTECTS THE VAST MAJORITY OF SEAMOUNTS OFF BRITISH COLUMBIA
Oceana Canada helped achieve one of the biggest ocean victories in Canada this year! After campaigning, collaboration with First Nations, and a groundbreaking deep-sea expedition identifying a rich ecosystem, collectively we secured the protection of underwater mountains in the new Tang. ɢwan · ḥačxʷiqak · Tsig̱is Marine Protected Area (MPA) located off the coast of British Columbia. Underwater mountains – known as seamounts – are biodiversity hotpots that are home to ancient corals, sponge gardens and diverse marine species. Home to centuries-old marine ecosystems, octopuses, long-lived rockfish and more, seamounts are vital to health of the oceans.
Stretching over 51,000 square miles, twice the size of the Province of New Brunswick, this new MPA is now protected from destructive activities like deep-sea mining, bottom-contact fishing, and oil exploration. By preserving these fragile seamounts, we are helping rebuild an abundance of marine life, safeguarding the health of the oceans. Learn more >>>
2) WORLD’S LARGEST CORAL COLONY FOUND OFF OF THE SOLOMON ISLANDS
Visible from space, a remarkable underwater treasure was discovered in 2024! A 300-year-old mega coral, 34 meters wide, was discovered off the Solomon Islands. It is also three times larger than the previously recorded, record-breaking coral colony! This massive marine wonder is a vibrant home for ocean life. It is a breathtaking reminder of the ocean’s enduring beauty if we give it the chance to thrive. Learn more >>>
3) AMAZON REMOVES PLASTIC AIR PILLOWS FROM DELIVERY PACKAGING GLOBALLY
Amazon has stepped up to eliminate all plastic air pillows from delivery and fulfillment centers worldwide. Made from plastic film that end up in landfills or the environment, these air pillows contribute to the most common and deadliest type of marine plastic to wildlife. This win for the oceans means billions of these plastic pillows will no longer end up in the oceans! Read the press release. >>>
4) GRAY WHALE SPOTTED IN ATLANTIC, WHERE IT HAS BEEN EXTINCT FOR 200 YEARS
An unexpected visitor off Cape Cod has marine researchers celebrating! In spring 2024, a gray whale was spotted, a species thought extinct in the Atlantic for over 200 years. This sighting sparked excitement in the scientific community for the potential for gray whales to return to these waters. Though the whale’s appearance here remains a mystery, the sighting brings new hope for marine conservation. Read more >>>
5) 160 SPECIES DISCOVERED OFF THE COAST OF CHILE, 50 NEW TO SCIENCE
An expedition off the coast of Chile identified 160 species not previously known to live in the region, with 50 of them suspected to be completely new to science. The scientists discovered pristine ecosystems and marine life in the high seas during this expedition, revealing a wealth of marine life. With so much habitat and wildlife destruction worldwide, stories like this showcase how much more we must learn about the ocean to protect it. Learn more >>>
Scientific research and marine expeditions like these are at the heart of how Oceana protects the oceans. Dive into our past Canadian expeditions here! >>
6) REBUILDING PLANS FOR CRITICALLY DEPLETED FISH STOCKS MAY MARK THE START OF A HISTORIC RECOVERY FOR CANADA’S OCEANS
Canada has taken a significant step in support of ocean recovery with new rebuilding plans to help bring critically depleted fish stocks back to healthy levels. After Oceana Canada campaigned to rebuild depleted Canadian fish stocks and with the help of our supporters, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) released four pivotal rebuilding plans for Southern Newfoundland cod, Atlantic mackerel, Northern Newfoundland shrimp, and Okanagan Chinook salmon. We celebrate this important milestone, knowing urgent action is still needed in 2025 to rebuild the remaining depleted wild fish populations! Read more >>>
7) GREECE BANS BOTTOMS TRAWLING IN ALL ITS MARINE PROTECTED AREAS
This year, Greece became the first country to ban bottom trawling in all its national marine parks and protected areas. The law will take effect within the next two years in national parks and across all protected areas. The country also commits to invest €780 million to protect these vital ocean ecosystems, including enforcing the trawl ban by establishing a top-notch surveillance system. Learn more >>>
8) NEW LAW IN CHILE WILL PROTECT KELP FORESTS AND 50 OTHER SEAFLOOR SPECIES
The Benthic Law was passed by Chile’s Congress in early 2024, setting new rules for kelp harvesting and protecting over 50 seafloor species. Oceana campaigned for this law, targeting illegal harvesting and setting guidelines for the collection of kelp and other benthic species – species found living on or attached to the seafloor. This new law benefits numerous species that inhabit Chile’s unique ecosystems, as well as the 16,000+ artisanal fishers who rely on them. Learn more>>>
9) MEXICO CREATES BAJOS DEL NORTE NATIONAL PARK, NOW THE LARGEST PROTECTED AREA IN GULF OF MEXICO
Oceana continues to win victories to protect ocean habitat! Mexico has created the Southern Gulf of Mexico Reefs National Park, the largest MPA in the Gulf of Mexico. Spanning over 40,000 square kilometers, it connects existing parks and protects critical habitats for more than 3,000 marine species. The park also bans offshore drilling and deep-sea mining, aiming to boost fish populations and support small-scale fishers. Oceana’s research and collaboration helped establish this MPA, contributing to stronger ocean conservation and another big win for the oceans. Learn more >>>
10) NEW CORAL RESTORATION PROJECT WORKS TO EMPOWER AND UPLIFT WOMEN
In Indonesia, women are leading the charge in coral reef restoration through the Coral Catch initiative. This effort aims to empower local women by providing them with the skills to restore coral reefs, combatting the gender gap in marine science while also helping rebuild reefs. As they break barriers and develop technical expertise, these women are building a network of strong female leaders dedicated to protecting Indonesia’s coral ecosystems. This project is a powerful example of the intersection between women’s rights and conservation. Read more >>>
To stay current on ocean news and ways you can help protect the oceans, join our community of Wavemakers today!
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