Global Oceans Treaty

The Global Ocean Treaty is one of the most important international conservation agreements in history and the first focused on conserving marine life on the High Seas.

Humpback whales, enjoy the warm waters of the Pacific ocean, Tonga.
Manta rays are seen in the cold upwellings off Nusa Penida Island, Bali, Indonesia. More and more single use plastics are swept along the coast, as Indonesia struggles to control its addiction to plastics.
Time is running out for our blue planet

Sign our petition to call on Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek and Foreign Minister Penny Wong to urgently ratify the Global Oceans Treaty, and create a sanctuary for the South Tasman Sea and Lord Howe Rise.

Sign petition
Greenpeace Australia volunteers and Surf Lifesavers at Fingal Bay, NSW, bring attention to the campaign to protect the Great Barrier Reef.
They create a sign on the beach that reads 'Fossil Fuels are Killing our Reef'.

The problem

Threats to the oceans are diverse and severe, and are having wide reaching impacts on the health of our blue planet. These threats include: ocean acidification, global warming, plastic pollution, industrial fishing, and the looming threat of deep sea mining.

Ocean protection needs to start now

The Global Ocean Treaty is a powerful tool that can make ocean protection a reality. But in order for it to work,, it needs to be ratified by June 2025.

Aerial shot of humpback whales migrating along the Ningaloo Coastline in Western Australia, taken from a helicopter.

A Marine Sanctuary for South Tasman Sea

In our own backyard, industrial fishing and pollution is putting immense strain on unique and diverse ecosystems. That’s why we’re campaigning to establish a marine sanctuary for South Tasman Sea and Lord Howe Rise.

South Tasman Sea and Lord Howe Rise

Monitoring Deep Sea Trawling, Tasman Sea. © Greenpeace / Malcolm Pullman
A trawl net is being hauled aboard the Westbay.

Situated between Australia and New Zealand, the South Tasman Sea and Lord Howe Rise are biodiversity hotspots, home to a unique and diverse range of marine species.

Unfortunately, this marine haven is under threat from industrial fishing. Thousands of marine species are at risk from this destructive industry, including albatross and petrel sea birds. Thousands of these pelagic birds die every year from industrial fishing traps.

We’re campaigning to establish a Marine Protected Area for this beautiful habitat. Will you join us?

Our work is 100% funded by people like you. A regular donation, every 4 weeks is the most effective way to ensure we can fight daily to ensure world leaders act urgently to secure the future of our oceans and all life on Earth.

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Together we are part of a growing, global movement determined to bring about the changes our planet desperately needs. Sign up to receive updates on our campaigns.