The National Marine Fisheries Service adopted new regulations to protect deep-sea coral gardens on Sur Ridge, offshore of Monterey, California, following campaigning by Oceana and its allies. Sur Ridge is home to diverse marine life including towering deep-sea corals, rockfish, sea stars, and many other species that use the rocky area for shelter, feeding, and breeding. The Sur Ridge conservation area will now be protected from all bottom contact fishing gears. The new protections will also support deep-sea coral research and experimental coral restoration efforts.
The National Marine Fisheries Service adopted new regulations to protect deep-sea coral gardens on Sur Ridge, offshore of Monterey, California, following campaigning by Oceana and its allies. Sur Ridge is home to diverse marine life including towering deep-sea corals, rockfish, sea stars, and many other species that use the rocky area for shelter, feeding, and breeding. The Sur Ridge conservation area will now be protected from all bottom contact fishing gears. The new protections will also support deep-sea coral research and experimental coral restoration efforts.
December, 2025
Oceana Appeals Court Ruling on Failure to Protect Corals and Sponges in Gulf of Alaska
October, 2025
Spain Designates Six New Marine Protected Areas
Spain approved five new marine protected areas and one area of special importance for birds. With this expansion, 22.45% of Spain’s waters are now designated for protection, bringing the country closer to delivering on its commitment to protect 30% of its seas by 2030. The new protected areas span 17,000 square kilometers (more than 6,500 square miles) and include parts of the Mallorca Channel, Seco de Palos, the Capbretón canyon system, the Alboran Sea, and the Central Catalan Coast. Oceana’s extensive scientific expeditions and advocacy were key to securing these designations, which will help safeguard biodiversity, support coastal communities, and promote sustainable fishing. Oceana will continue to campaign for the proper management of these areas to prevent destructive activities, such as bottom trawling.
Spain approved five new marine protected areas and one area of special importance for birds. With this expansion, 22.45% of Spain’s waters are now designated for protection, bringing the country closer to delivering on its commitment to protect 30% of its seas by 2030. The new protected areas span 17,000 square kilometers (more than 6,500 square miles) and include parts of the Mallorca Channel, Seco de Palos, the Capbretón canyon system, the Alboran Sea, and the Central Catalan Coast. Oceana’s extensive scientific expeditions and advocacy were key to securing these designations, which will help safeguard biodiversity, support coastal communities, and promote sustainable fishing. Oceana will continue to campaign for the proper management of these areas to prevent destructive activities, such as bottom trawling.
September, 2025
Philippines Protects Coral-Rich Waters of Panaon Island
President Marcos of the Philippines approved the creation of the Panaon Island Protected Seascape, safeguarding 610 square kilometers (236 square miles) of coral-rich waters that are home to endangered species such as whale sharks, hawksbill turtles, and Philippine ducks. In 2020, Oceana’s scientific expedition to Panaon Island in Southern Leyte found abundant fish, thriving mangroves and seagrass, and colorful corals. While the country’s reefs have steadily declined over the last 40 years, Panaon Island is a unique exception, with above-average coral cover. Local communities were key allies for securing these protections, which will address threats from climate change, illegal and destructive fishing, and plastic pollution — and ensure that life in these waters, and the livelihoods of those who depend on them, can thrive for generations to come.
President Marcos of the Philippines approved the creation of the Panaon Island Protected Seascape, safeguarding 610 square kilometers (236 square miles) of coral-rich waters that are home to endangered species such as whale sharks, hawksbill turtles, and Philippine ducks. In 2020, Oceana’s scientific expedition to Panaon Island in Southern Leyte found abundant fish, thriving mangroves and seagrass, and colorful corals. While the country’s reefs have steadily declined over the last 40 years, Panaon Island is a unique exception, with above-average coral cover. Local communities were key allies for securing these protections, which will address threats from climate change, illegal and destructive fishing, and plastic pollution — and ensure that life in these waters, and the livelihoods of those who depend on them, can thrive for generations to come.
August, 2025
Corals, Community, and Celebration: Oceana Goes to Salmonfest!
June, 2025
Chile Approves Management Plan for Nazca-Desventuradas Marine Park
Chile approved a management plan for the Nazca-Desventuradas Marine Park, one of the most pristine ecosystems on the planet. The new plan establishes rules to effectively protect the area, which will help important depleted fish populations recover. Oceana and our allies, including local artisanal fishers, were key to achieving this plan and the creation of the marine park in 2016 – the largest of its kind in the South Pacific. A previous expedition to the area by Oceana and National Geographic uncovered extraordinary levels of biodiversity and endemic species in the seas surrounding these islands.
Chile approved a management plan for the Nazca-Desventuradas Marine Park, one of the most pristine ecosystems on the planet. The new plan establishes rules to effectively protect the area, which will help important depleted fish populations recover. Oceana and our allies, including local artisanal fishers, were key to achieving this plan and the creation of the marine park in 2016 – the largest of its kind in the South Pacific. A previous expedition to the area by Oceana and National Geographic uncovered extraordinary levels of biodiversity and endemic species in the seas surrounding these islands.
June, 2025
Nearly One Quarter of NOAA Fisheries Staff in Alaska Departed in 2025
