The world agreed to protect 30% of the ocean by 2030 – but marine protection can’t be judged by area alone

The ocean is home to some of the richest biodiversity on Earth. From coral reefs and mangrove forests to the deep sea, marine ecosystems sustain countless species, support coastal communities, regulate the climate and underpin global food security. But these systems face growing pressure from overfishing, habitat loss, pollution and climate change. In response, nations have adopted an ambitious global goal to conserve at least 30% of the world’s ocean by 2030 – known as 30x30. This target has expanded marine protection worldwide, particularly through marine protected areas. But what happens after protection is announced? Decades of experience have shown that effective marine protection requires consistent rules, regulations and oversight, along with financing and meaningful collaboration with local governments, industries and communities. Without it, these areas risk becoming paper parks: lines on a map without real-world impact, where marine life may continue to face overfishing and other threats. Two new reports we led, one from Oregon State University and the other from the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, offer an important reality check on where marine conservation stands today and what must be done to achieve the goal of protecting 30% of the ocean. Together they argue that the primary barrier…

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