Marine protected areas and coastal fisheries​

Addressing urgent threats to our oceans

Oceans cover over 70% of the Earth, regulating our climate and providing food for billions of people. At Pacific Environment, we’re collaborating with Indigenous communities, national and international government agencies and local stakeholders across the Pacific Rim and beyond to safeguard marine ecosystems from threats like illegal fishing, oil spills, ship traffic and ocean waste.

By working both with people and governments, we are driving the global movement to protect 30% of our oceans by 2030 — often referred to as 30×30.

Why protecting 30% of our oceans matters

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and other effective area-based conservation measures (OECMs) are essential for preserving marine biodiversity, such as shark and ray nurseries, sea turtle nesting sites, feeding grounds for whales and dolphins and coral reefs and mangroves. Properly-managed MPAs and sustainable fisheries can:

  • Quadruple wildlife populations
  • Increase fisher profits by up to 300%
  • Preserve blue carbon ecosystems that store carbon and mitigate climate change
  • Help marine ecosystems withstand climate-related stressors

This is why we’re committed to advancing 30×30 goals — to ensure thriving oceans for future generations.

Our approach to marine conservation

To protect critical marine habitats and wildlife, our program efforts focus on three key strategies:

Collaboration

We amplify community voices and partner with NGOs, governments and local experts to ensure conservation efforts are inclusive and effective.

Customized strategy

We apply a unique, adaptable approach that helps advance 30×30 goals — ensuring long-term sustainability across diverse regions.

Local expertise

Our teams in Japan, South Korea, Thailand, the Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam and the U.S. lead tailored initiatives to meet the needs of each region.

A global strategy with local impact

From the Arctic to Southeast Asia, our marine experts are building strong partnerships and establishing important co-managed MPAs and OECMs to create models for sustainable marine conservation that can be replicated across regions. Our efforts ensure these protected areas are not just lines on a map, but actively-managed, thriving ecosystems.

Explore some of our featured work below.

VIETNAM

Bridging biodiversity and fisheries for a blue transformation

Pacific Environment partnered with Vietnam’s Fisheries Surveillance and Pew to showcase ecosystem-based fisheries management at the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization Committee on Fisheries meeting. Ongoing efforts include working with local MPAs and drafting Vietnam’s National Biodiversity Strategy to protect 6% of marine areas by 2030.

MALAYSIA

Building capacity for marine protection

Our work in Malaysia focuses on political advocacy and capacity-building to achieve the country’s 10% marine protection goal. Efforts include restructuring MPA management and fostering collaboration between state and federal agencies. We are also working toward defining OECMs and advancing 30×30 commitments.

THE PHILIPPINES

Expanding marine key biodiversity areas

Our Philippines team is identifying and proposing new key biodiversity areas (KBAs) to protect globally important species. Recent efforts include recommending eight new marine areas totaling 3.2 million hectares. Future work will focus on officially designating these areas and finalizing the country’s 30×30 goals.

THAILAND

Advancing national biodiversity goals

In Thailand, Pacific Environment is helping develop the country’s fifth National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAP) to protect 30% of land and ocean areas. We’re also improving MPA management, establishing new OECMs and supporting Thailand’s ratification of the Agreement on Marine Biodiversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) to protect biodiversity beyond national jurisdictions.

SOUTH KOREA

Scoping large-scale MPAs

Pacific Environment is partnering with Blue Nature Alliance to explore large-scale MPAs in South Korea, including Jeju Island. This project aims to establish vital conservation areas in a region with limited large-scale MPAs, ahead of South Korea hosting the 2025 Our Ocean conference, which will bring global attention to marine conservation efforts in the country.

Our achievements

Through our collaborative efforts, Pacific Environment has played a pivotal role securing significant victories for marine conservation.

  • Secured 30×30 commitments from countries across Southeast Asia and beyond.
  • Developed and implemented OECM guidelines in Vietnam.
  • Joined national coalitions to implement international biodiversity treaties in the Philippines and Thailand.
  • Advocated for expanded MPA designations in Malaysia and Vietnam.

Our partners

Upcoming events

Stay tuned for the latest updates on events related to our MPA initiatives.

Help us make a difference

Your support is vital to advancing our global mission. With your partnership, we can continue empowering communities,
building sustainable frameworks and protecting marine ecosystems for future generations. Together, we are shaping a healthier ocean.

Donate today