Inspiring Ocean Conservation Stories You May Have Missed This Week

There is a wave of positive news about our oceans this week, including major conservation successes, new species discoveries, and advancements in marine protection efforts.

Recent Species Discoveries in Ocean Conservation

• Over 800 new marine species have been discovered through international collaborations, including unusual deep-sea species such as the Carnarvon Flapjack Octopus off Western Australia and three new snailfish species found at 10,000 feet off California.

  
  

• The Ocean Census initiative continues to accelerate species identification, highlighting the immense biodiversity still present in our seas.

Conservation Wins and Marine Protected Areas

• Several new marine protected areas (MPAs) have been established or expanded, including a milestone in Scotland where 60,000 km² of seabed was safeguarded, and a United Nations-endorsed spotlight on the Prince Edward Islands MPA in South Africa, which now protects 30% of South Africa’s Southern Ocean territory.

• South Australia has banned fishing for many shark and ray species, strengthening recovery prospects for these populations.

• The global push continues toward protecting at least 30% of the ocean by 2030, with Blue Marine Foundation and others championing action against damaging fishing practices and improved management of MPAs.

Community Initiatives and Celebration

• The Great British Beach Clean is imminent, bringing communities together to reduce pollution and celebrate healthy coasts.

• The annual Marine Protected Areas Day grows as a global movement, emphasising the vital connection between people and ocean health.

• Ecotribo Ocean Plastic bench made from ghost nets found on our coasts

  
  

• At Ecotribo, we have designed and created a new range of Ocean Positive Furniture (still to be updated on our website), all made from recycled fishing nets found on local coastlines. We have created a bench and chair design made from 100% recycled ocean plastics, woven and extruded with love for our coasts. We are excited to be exhibiting this new range in London soon, so stay tuned!

"At Ecotribo, we believe real change starts with action — showing how individuals can make a positive impact on the environment by getting involved, not waiting for someone else to act. This is how we change the status quo.”- Ecotribo

Scientific Breakthroughs and Restoration Projects

• Critically endangered sunflower sea stars are being successfully bred in labs for population restoration, supporting kelp forest revival in California.

• Advanced technologies such as satellite tracking have revealed more complex behaviours of emperor penguins and are improving the monitoring of ocean life.

Noteworthy Quotes

“Every new species—whether a shark or a sponge—deepens our understanding of marine ecosystems and the benefits they provide for the planet.” — Prof Lucy Woodall, Ocean Census.

“Our mission is to see at least 30 per cent of the ocean protected by 2030 and the whole ocean sustainably managed.” — Blue Marine Foundation

Despite ongoing environmental challenges, these milestones offer genuine hope for ocean restoration and biodiversity.