In 2024, the ocean faced continued threats from rising sea levels and warming waters to overfishing and the degradation of marine ecosystems. These challenges are compounded by the alarming reality that nearly 40% of global fish stocks are overexploited, and the rate of marine protected area (MPA) expansion has slowed by 75% in recent years. However, there is reason for cautious optimism.
The world has recognized that we must act now to protect the ocean and there is growing momentum behind solutions that work. RISE UP is more committed than ever to translating the global momentum for ocean conservation into lasting change. Our network, now consisting of over 650 organizations, is ready to build on the positive steps we saw in 2024.

Here’s how we plan to take action in 2025:

1. Impact at the UN Ocean Conference (UNOC)

In June 2025, the UN Ocean Conference will take place in Nice, France, co-hosted by France and Costa Rica, with the theme of “Accelerating action and mobilizing all actors to conserve and sustainably use the ocean.” This high-level event will be a critical moment for international cooperation and policy commitments on ocean conservation. For RISE UP, this is a key opportunity to bring critical issues to the forefront, including the High Seas Treaty, the protection of small-scale fisheries, and the implementation of SDG 14 (Life Below Water). It will also serve as a platform to push for greater progress on cementing the pause on deepsea mining, and advocating for countries to improve their climate adaptation and mitigation targets by prioritizing the ocean in these efforts. This conference is not just about talking—it’s about action. It’s time for countries to commit to the real steps that can safeguard our oceans for future generations.

2.  Elevate Small-Scale Fisheries (SSF) in Global Governance

Small-scale fisheries (SSF) are essential for ocean resilience and food security, yet their voices are often excluded from global policy discussions. These communities, practicing sustainable, community-based management, are vital to achieving effective ocean conservation. Enabling coastal communities, small-scale fishers, and Indigenous peoples to co-design solutions and participate in governance ensures sustainable, long-term ocean resilience. Achieving the 30×30 target—safeguarding 30% of the ocean by 2030—is critical to prevent species extinction and protect ecosystems. This ambitious goal, a cornerstone of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, must prioritize community-led conservation and equitable partnerships to ensure lasting success.

In 2025, RISE UP will continue to advocate for preferential access areas for SSF, ensuring these communities have secure access to resources while promoting equity and inclusion.
As Aarón Moisés Chacón Chaverri from CoopeTárcoles R.L., Costa Rica, reminded us in our Voices From The Sea video series, “We are looking for bridges and mechanisms [that allow us to achieve conservation together]… as long as conservation is done with us, not leaving us out.” Empowering communities is the most sustainable path forward.

3. Ensure Robust Implementation of the High Seas Treaty

The High Seas Treaty, adopted in 2023, marked a significant milestone for ocean protection. Now, the focus must shift to ensuring its full implementation and entering into force. In 2025, RISE UP will collaborate with countries to ratify the treaty, and advocate for its successful execution, ensuring it leads to real, measurable progress in ocean conservation.

Nichola Clark, Senior Officer at The Pew Charitable Trusts and member of the RISE UP Network, emphasized the urgency of safeguarding the High Seas: “The High Seas support a diversity of marine life and ecosystems that are critical to the health of the ocean, climate, planet, and people. Now is the time for the global community to work together towards implementation—our ocean can’t wait.”

4. Commit to Climate-Driven Ocean Solutions

Climate change remains one of the most pressing threats to ocean health. Rising sea temperatures, ocean acidification, and increased storm intensity are already having a devastating impact on marine ecosystems. In 2025, RISE UP will continue to advocate for co-designed solutions such as the Ocean Breakthroughs, a set of transformative policy pathways developed by our partners.

As Karen Sack, Executive Director of the Ocean Risk and Resilience Action Alliance (ORRAA) and member of the RISE UP Advisory Group said “The Ocean has always been our protector, insulating us from a warming atmosphere, and it is past time for us to repay the favour.”

5. Push for Stronger Protections for the Deep Sea

The deep sea remains one of the least understood and most vulnerable ecosystems on Earth. Activities like deep-sea mining pose significant threats to these fragile environments. In 2024, RISE UP celebrated the delay of Norway’s controversial deep-sea mining plans, but the fight for deeper protections continues and RISE UP will continue to advocate for a moratorium on deep-sea mining.

As our partner, Simon Holmström from the Brussels-based marine protection organisation Seas at Risk highlighted, “The deep sea is not just a place of endless mysteries. It is a living treasure trove of life, a universe of biodiversity, and an invaluable resource for all humanity. Decisions made now about the deep sea can change the ocean forever.“

Looking Ahead: A Year of Concrete Action for the Ocean

As we step into 2025, the need for bold, collective action has never been more urgent. The challenges facing our oceans are growing, but so are the solutions. However, we cannot tackle this alone—the scale of the task requires all of us. Only through united efforts, strong political leadership, and global collaboration can we protect the ocean, support coastal communities, and secure a sustainable future for all.

At RISE UP, we are committed to building on the momentum of 2024 and driving meaningful, lasting change. Together, we can make 2025 a year of tangible action and progress for ocean health.

You can find out more about RISE UP and how you can get involved here and sign up to the monthly newsletter here.

By Flora McMorrin, Director