More than 10% of the ocean is now protected

For the first time, more than a tenth of the world's ocean now sits inside formal conservation measures — up from 8.6% just two years ago. These are waters where fishing, drilling and other pressures are limited so that habitats and the species that depend on them get room to recover.

Marine protected areas work slowly but powerfully. Give a reef or a fishing ground space to breathe and, over years, fish return in greater numbers and sizes — and that abundance often spills over into neighbouring waters too.

Ten percent is still short of the widely shared goal of protecting 30% of the ocean by 2030. But crossing it is a real, measurable step, and proof that patient, coordinated action across many countries can move the needle.