THE OCEAN CONSERVANCY INC

Ocean Conservancy promotes healthy and diverse ocean ecosystems and opposes practices that threaten ocean life and human well-being. Through research, education, and science-based advocacy, The Ocean Conservancy informs, inspires, and empowers people to speak and act on behalf of the oceans. In all its work, Ocean Conservancy strives to be the world's foremost advocate for the oceans.

The Ocean Conservancy's four strategic priorities reflect the critical ocean conservation issues that will be the main focus of our efforts. We believe that we can make the most tangible contribution to ocean health by building on our historic accomplishments, strengths, and expertise. We intend to focus our efforts, resources, and attention on the following four critical objectives:

The most immediate threat to ocean ecosystem health continues to be overfishing. To solve this problem, the current fishery management system must be reformed.

After overfishing, the greatest human impact on marine species is “bycatch,” the unintentional injury or capture of wildlife during fishing operations.

A majority of ocean scientists agree that marine protected areas are proven tools for conserving ocean ecosystems. Nevertheless, marine protected areas and marine reserves remain low on the list of priorities in the U.S.

Just as the structure of an organization can hinder its goals, the piecemeal, uncoordinated systems currently in place for governing ocean and coastal ecosystems, at both national and state levels, are limiting the nation’s ability to manage and protect this resource.