World Ocean Day

As we mark World Ocean Day, 80 countries have pledged to support the '30by30' commitment, the international target to protect at least 30% of the world's oceans by 2030. 

The '30by30' commitment is being championed by UK-led Global Ocean Alliance and the High Ambition Coalition for Nature and People, co-chaired by the UK, Costa Rice and France. This commitment will contribute towards delivering sustainability. 

The Government recognises that it is vital that we take measures to protect our seas, whilst striking a balance in supporting sustainable industries. 

The UK has also launched plans to increase protections for England's water through a pilot scheme to designate marine sites in England as ‘Highly Protected Marine Areas’, which will ban all activities that could have a damaging effect on wildlife or marine habitats.

Environment Secretary, George Eustice, said: "The UK is a global leader in marine protection, and we are leading the way internationally to deliver healthy and sustainable seas. We must strike a balance in supporting sustainable industries while increasing protections for our seas to ensure a healthy, resilient and diverse marine ecosystem and we will work with others as we develop future protections."