Facts

Know the ocean,
then argue for it

This page is produced with the UK-based Marine Biological Association. Use anything here for your essay, speech, article, social post — or the average conversation with that one family member who is still ignoring climate change.

One of the world’s longest-running societies for marine research. Since 1884 the MBA has been an independent voice for the marine biological community, with over 2,000 members in 40+ countries and a laboratory where seven Nobel laureates have worked. The MBA also designed our logo.

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Swipe through the facts — 13 questions

…and seven more on kelp, acidification, plastic and protection. All existing articles, unchanged.

Good news, for once

Change is already
taking place

1. Marine protected areas have risen from 0.9% of the ocean in 2000 to 7.4%
2. Fishing practices are becoming more sustainable, and the destruction of seagrass meadows and mangroves is almost at a halt — in some places these habitats are being restored
3. Humpback whale populations have surged since the 1980s ban on commercial whaling
4. Versova beach in India saw the world’s largest beach clean-up — 4,000 tonnes removed over 85 weeks. Two years later, Olive Ridley turtles were nesting there again
5. In American Samoa, 36% of Tutuila’s reef has recovered after decades of sanctuary protection, pollution limits and fishing restrictions