Ocean Panel Announcement

Dear all and welcome,

Two years ago the 14 world leaders making up the Ocean Panel set out to shape a transformative agenda for a sustainable ocean economy, where effective protection, sustainable production, and equitable prosperity go hand-in-hand.

Today we see growing threats to ocean health including climate change, pollution, illegal fishing, and loss of biodiversity.

We also know that in the years to come, the world’s growing population will need more food, medicines, energy, and minerals.

If managed wisely, the ocean holds the key to meeting these needs.

So how will we do this?

Today, the panel members commit to take the lead in this transformation.

At front is the commitment to sustainably manage 100 % of our national waters by 2025.

Our 14 countries represent 30% of the world’s exclusive economic zones (EEZs).

Through this commitment, each country will have a Sustainable Ocean Plan in place by 2025. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to Sustainable Ocean Plans – but at the heart is this: ecosystem-based, integrated ocean management is the way to protect better and produce more.

The next big challenge is reaching the scale we need. This is why we are also urging leaders of all the world’s ocean and coastal states to join us in the 100% commitment.

More than 230 world leading experts have provided the Panel with new science, knowledge and opportunities for action.

Their work is captured in an impressive report that sums up the abundant evidence of the benefits of ocean action for people, nature, and the economy.

As leaders, we have been able to build on this knowledge and agree on the action agenda that is now launched.

We are putting forward a comprehensive set of priority actions that will help the transformation to a sustainable ocean economy. But they need to be implemented through a holistic and integrated approach.

That’s why our message is: Give it 100%.

Thank you.