New nature strategy puts oceans on the agenda — delivery will matter
Press Release Date: March 31, 2026
Media contacts: Vaishali Dassani, Oceana Canada, vdassani@oceana.ca, 647-294-3335;
Rose-Marie Ménard, Pilot PMR, rosemarie.menard@pilotpmr.com, +1-579-622-9925
Toronto, on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnaabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee, and the Wendat Peoples — Today, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced new plans and funding for measures to protect Canada’s land and waters, unveiling a national Strategy to Protect Nature.
The strategy includes commitments to protect land and oceans, reconfirms Canada’s commitment to protect 30 per cent of lands and waters by 2030, and addresses major threats such as ghost gear. As Canada advances this strategy, Oceana advocate for and support turning these commitments into meaningful outcomes for marine ecosystems.
Below is a statement from Josh Laughren, executive director, Oceana Canada.
“Oceana Canada welcomes today’s announcement of $3.8 billion in funding for the Strategy to Protect Nature, one of the most significant federal commitments to ocean protection in years. Protecting nature at this scale is essential for the health of our oceans, fisheries, and coastal communities that depend on them.
“But ambition alone will not protect the ocean. With just four years left to meet the 2030 target, the real test now is delivery. Canada has world-class ocean science that can help guide where and how marine protections take shape. These commitments must be backed by clear timelines and science-based processes— implemented in partnership with Indigenous and coastal communities — to deliver real protection in the water.”
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Oceana Canada was established as an independent charity in 2015 and is part of the largest international advocacy group dedicated solely to ocean conservation. Oceana Canada has successfully campaigned to ban single-use plastics, end the shark fin trade, make rebuilding depleted fish populations the law, improve the way fisheries are managed and protect marine habitat. We work with civil society, academics, fishers, Indigenous Peoples, and governments to return Canada’s formerly vibrant oceans to health and abundance. By restoring Canada’s oceans, we can strengthen our communities, reap greater economic and nutritional benefits, and protect our future. Find out more at www.oceana.ca
