A new law in New Jersey will reduce single-use plastics at restaurants and in takeout food orders that too often end up in our oceans, following campaigning by Oceana and our allies. The law requires restaurants, cafes, and other food service businesses to provide utensils and condiment packets only upon customer request. The law also requires that full-service restaurants with seating capacity of 10 or more provide reusable utensils for dine-in customers.
A new law in New Jersey will reduce single-use plastics at restaurants and in takeout food orders that too often end up in our oceans, following campaigning by Oceana and our allies. The law requires restaurants, cafes, and other food service businesses to provide utensils and condiment packets only upon customer request. The law also requires that full-service restaurants with seating capacity of 10 or more provide reusable utensils for dine-in customers.
December, 2025
California Approves Pop-Up Gear to Reduce Whale Entanglements
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife approved ropeless pop-up gear as a whale-safe alternative that can be used in place of conventional gear if the California Dungeness crab fishery is closed to protect whales from April 1 to July 15. This victory follows years of campaigning and at-sea gear testing by Oceana and its allies to protect humpback whales from becoming entangled in the vertical lines used in conventional gear to catch these crabs. Previous trials of pop-up gear have proven to safeguard whales while still allowing for a profitable crab fishery.
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife approved ropeless pop-up gear as a whale-safe alternative that can be used in place of conventional gear if the California Dungeness crab fishery is closed to protect whales from April 1 to July 15. This victory follows years of campaigning and at-sea gear testing by Oceana and its allies to protect humpback whales from becoming entangled in the vertical lines used in conventional gear to catch these crabs. Previous trials of pop-up gear have proven to safeguard whales while still allowing for a profitable crab fishery.
December, 2025
Deep-Sea Coral Gardens Protected in California
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.
October, 2025
California Protects Ocean Biodiversity and Reduces Animal Entanglements
A new law in the U.S. state of California protects ocean biodiversity by phasing out the use of set gillnets — mile-long fishing nets anchored to the seafloor intended to catch halibut and white sea bass. Removing this fishing gear from the water will protect more than 100 different ocean animals, including sea lions and sharks, from being unintentionally entangled in these nearly invisible nets. Oceana championed this law, which allows existing permit holders to continue fishing through their retirement and gradually phases out the set gillnet fishery. Oceana has also advocated for hook and line fishing methods as an alternative to set gillnets, which have significantly less unintended catch and typically yield higher-quality catches that fetch higher prices.
A new law in the U.S. state of California protects ocean biodiversity by phasing out the use of set gillnets — mile-long fishing nets anchored to the seafloor intended to catch halibut and white sea bass. Removing this fishing gear from the water will protect more than 100 different ocean animals, including sea lions and sharks, from being unintentionally entangled in these nearly invisible nets. Oceana championed this law, which allows existing permit holders to continue fishing through their retirement and gradually phases out the set gillnet fishery. Oceana has also advocated for hook and line fishing methods as an alternative to set gillnets, which have significantly less unintended catch and typically yield higher-quality catches that fetch higher prices.
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
New Rules in California’s Recreational Crab Fishery Will Help Prevent Animal Entanglements
California adopted new rules to cut whale and sea turtle entanglements in the recreational Dungeness crab fishery. The new rules, adopted by the California Fish and Game Commission after campaigning by Oceana and our allies, are consistent with those for the commercial fishery, requiring closure in response to entanglements and unique line markings to easily identify the source in the event of entanglement. Entanglement in fishing gear is a top threat to endangered animals off the West Coast, including humpback whales and leatherback sea turtles.
California adopted new rules to cut whale and sea turtle entanglements in the recreational Dungeness crab fishery. The new rules, adopted by the California Fish and Game Commission after campaigning by Oceana and our allies, are consistent with those for the commercial fishery, requiring closure in response to entanglements and unique line markings to easily identify the source in the event of entanglement. Entanglement in fishing gear is a top threat to endangered animals off the West Coast, including humpback whales and leatherback sea turtles.
