Different types of plastic including bags, cups and straws are pictured under the ocean, highlighting the plastic pollution problem

What we do

Our ocean is at a tipping point. We're fighting to turn the tide on ocean pollution and restore the health of the seas.

    Tackle ocean pollution

    Every year, between 8 and 13 million tonnes of plastic enters our ocean. In fact, some areas of the ocean floor now have 1.9 million plastic pieces per square metre.

    If we don’t tackle pollution at source, these highly persistent chemicals and plastics will continue to increase in our ocean, causing untold damage. That's where we come in.

     

    Our work on pollution
    Different types of plastic including bags, cups and straws are pictured under the ocean, highlighting the plastic pollution problem

    Plastic pollution in the ocean - featuring cotton buds, cups, a bottle and plastic scraps  |  Image credit: Rich Carey/Shutterstock

    Regenerate the ocean

    It's vital the ocean is as diverse as possible, and our restoration projects are working to do just that. From seagrass planting and oyster restoration to monitoring fish and working with coastal communities to protect species and habitats in their area, we’re working tirelessly to save the future of our ocean - halting biodiversity loss and ensuring nature can thrive again.

     

    Our restoration projects
    A close-up of a hermit crab. It has a hairy, speckled appearance and prominent eyes on stalks. Its large right claw is visible at the front. The background consists of pink, red, and brown maerl coral agae.

    Hermit crab on maerl  |  Image credit: Georgie Bull

    Encourage proper marine management

    A third of our seas are called ‘protected’ – but they’re not; in practice, less than 1% of our seas are well-managed. We advocate, lobby and campaign to safeguard our seas – from calling for bans on destructive fishing practices to improving sustainability in aquaculture, we give the ocean a voice.

     

    Our marine management work

    Hammerhead sharks  |  Image credit: Masayuki Agawa

    Champion sustainable seafood

    Today, 90% of world fish stocks are fully or over-exploited from fishing. With added pressure from climate change and pollution, we’re moving into dangerous waters. Join us in making seafood more sustainable.

     

    Explore the Good Fish Guide
    A hand holding up a phone with Marine Conservation Society's Good Fish Guide app on the screen. In the background is a blurred supermarket shelf filled with food products.

    A shopper uses the Good Fish Guide app on their phone  |  Image credit: Billy ​Barraclough

    Why we do it

    Our ocean covers over 70% of our planet. It provides more than half the oxygen we breathe and absorbs nearly a third of our carbon emissions.

    But today, it’s in crisis. From pollution to habitat destruction, the species that call the ocean home are being harmed. The ocean is losing its ability to help fight the climate crisis and we’re determined to change this. Together with communities, businesses and governments, we can make a difference

     

    How the ocean helps our planet

    A Great British Beach Clean at Boscombe  |  Image credit: Jack Holt

    Learn more about our work

    Zoe Lyons, a Marine Conservation Society staff member, and Cully from Cully and Sully, sit on stools in front of a large screen, giving a talk to an audience. All three people are smiling broadly.

    About us

    We are a leading UK environmental charity working for the future of our ocean.
    A view of the London skyline at dawn with the Gherkin in the foreground.

    Ocean economy

    A sustainable blue economy is built on healthy marine ecosystems, where industry works for the ocean, not against it.
    A Cornwall wave taken with the camera partially submerged in the water. The shallow water shows a rocky sea bed with algae, while a brilliant blue sky can be seen above the crashing wave.

    Research and reports

    From position and policy statements to findings from our citizen science projects, our research and reports highlight evidence-based solutions to bring life back to our ocean.