Protecting the Ocean

Billions of people and countless marine species depend on a healthy ocean, but this critical resource is increasingly threatened by pollution, overfishing, and other pressures. 

Launched in 2014, the Bloomberg Ocean Initiative partners with coastal communities, leading nonprofits, governments, and research institutions to advance data-driven solutions that protect marine ecosystems, strengthen ocean governance, and build ocean resilience. 

The initiative focuses on regions with vital coral reef systems, major fishing nations, and places where fish is a primary source of nutrition. It works to establish and manage marine protected areas, advance sustainable fisheries, strengthen transparency at sea, and support the communities that depend on a healthy ocean. It also supports efforts to protect the world’s most resilient coral reefs and advance protection across the high seas. 

Since 2014, Bloomberg Philanthropies has committed more than $635 million to ocean conservation going towards:  

• Turning commitments into protection: The Bloomberg Ocean Initiative helps governments create and strengthen marine protected areas, advance fisheries reforms, and turn ocean protection commitments into lasting conservation outcomes. By working with governments, local communities, and scientists, this work helps identify ecologically critical regions, shape conservation plans, and strengthen the monitoring and enforcement systems needed to sustain them. 
• Local conservation and fisheries management: The initiative works closely with coastal communities, local governments, and nonprofits to manage small-scale fisheries, protect coral and fish populations, and reduce marine pollution. Supporting local communities is a proven strategy for strengthening conservation, sustaining livelihoods, and building long-term coastal resilience. 
• Data-driven strategy and transparency: Through robust data collection and analysis, satellite monitoring, and artificial intelligence, the initiative improves transparency and accountability at sea. It also supports open, publicly accessible platforms that track commercial fishing activity in real time. These tools provide critical insights to curb illegal fishing and guide smarter investments that support small-scale fishers and their communities.