Ocean health

Oceans cover more than 70% of Earth’s surface and regulate climate, feed billions, and sustain extraordinary biodiversity. This archive tracks verified progress on ocean health — from coral reef recovery and plastic reduction to marine protected areas and fishing reform. It covers what’s working and who’s making it happen.

Ocean water, for article on law of the sea treaty, for article on ITLOS climate ruling

Island states win historic climate case in world oceans court

By / / Good News For Humankind

Nine small island nations just won a landmark climate ruling from the world’s top ocean court, with judges declaring for the first time that greenhouse gases absorbed by the sea legally count as marine pollution. The coalition — including Tuvalu, Antigua and Barbuda, Vanuatu, and Palau — argued that countries have binding obligations under the Law of the Sea to limit warming to 1.5°C, and the tribunal agreed. Though the opinion is advisory, it’s already shaping two pending climate cases at the Inter-American Court of Human Rights and the International Court of Justice. For nations whose very existence is threatened by rising seas, it’s a reminder that patient diplomacy and international law can still give the smallest voices real weight in the global climate fight.

Coastal waters

Samoa pledges to preserve 30% of its ocean

By / / Good news links

Samoa’s land mass accounts for less than three percent of its territory, and the country is largely dependent upon the ocean for food and income. To preserve this vital resource, the Samoa Government has committed to fully managing its ocean area and protecting 30 percent by 2025 through the Samoa Ocean Strategy.