- 33,000 km2 of ocean protected in 2024
- Expanded protection for carbon absorbing seagrass meadows and oyster reefs from the British Isles to the Maldives
- Advocacy for the High Seas Treaty – working diligently to protect oceans beyond national borders.
- Development of sustainable fishing models across multiple nations, proving conservation can enhance livelihoods
Ocean conservation
Blue Marine Foundation
The ocean is the world’s largest carbon sink: by combatting overfishing, Blue Marine helps life in the ocean perform its vital function of stabilising the Earth’s climate.
They are active in 8 ocean regions with 46 active projects – and some notable successes include securing commitments to protect over 4 million km2 of ocean.
GRP donors have supported:
Watch highlights from our event with Blue Marine Foundation
Protecting and restoring life in the ocean
The ocean is Earth’s greatest ally in the fight against climate change. It absorbs a quarter of the carbon we emit, produces half the oxygen we breathe and regulates our climate systems. Yet it’s under assault.
Decades of overfishing, pollution and habitat destruction have stripped away marine life at an alarming pace. Without urgent action, the ocean’s natural resilience – and ours – is at risk.
Blue Marine Foundation exists to turn that tide. Founded by the team behind the award-winning documentary The End of the Line, it has grown into one of the world’s most effective marine conservation organisations.
Its mission is simple but transformative: to restore the ocean to health by creating and managing marine protected areas (MPAs) and by developing sustainable models for fishing and coastal livelihoods.
A global force for marine protection
Blue Marine has helped secure protection for over 4.8 million km² of ocean – an area larger than the European Union. In 2024, its work was instrumental in expanding the Blue Belt Programme, which now safeguards vast stretches of UK Overseas Territories, including South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands.
The charity also played a vital role in securing the High Seas Treaty – the first international agreement to protect biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction.
These are monumental wins, but what makes Blue Marine remarkable is its local impact. From the Solent to Santorini, it works directly with fishers, communities and policymakers to demonstrate that conservation and economic vitality can coexist.
Its projects reduce destructive fishing practices, restore seagrass meadows and oyster reefs, and prove that healthy seas are the foundation of thriving coastal economies.
Why Blue Marine matters
Marine ecosystems store vast amounts of carbon. Protecting them is one of the most effective and undervalued climate solutions available.
Yet less than 3% of our oceans are under effective protection.
Blue Marine’s science-led approach addresses that gap with urgency and precision.
Every project begins with research and ends with measurable outcomes – from tonnes of carbon sequestered to biodiversity recovered.
Its evidence-based model has influenced governments, inspired corporate partnerships and shaped policy far beyond the waters where it operates.
Give through GRP
Blue Marine’s ocean conservation work blends global influence and local execution – the kind of catalytic change that GRP exists to accelerate.
Your donation can help Blue Marine protect more of the world’s ocean – the largest carbon sink on Earth and home to over two million species.
Through GRP, every pound you give goes directly to the charities delivering measurable impact.
No fees. No deductions. Just real-world results.
Join us in restoring the ocean’s ability to sustain life on this planet.
