| This report is the result of three years of collaborative research and engagement with our partners, collaborators, contributors, and ocean defenders around the world. |
The rapid expansion of the ocean economy—including industries like oil and gas, renewable energy, fishing, aquaculture, tourism, and shipping—is placing immense pressure on marine environments and coastal communities. These developments threaten biodiversity, disrupt fisheries, and pollute marine ecosystems, often violating fundamental human rights such as the right to food, health, security, and livelihoods. Many coastal populations, including Indigenous Peoples and small-scale fishers, face displacement from areas they have long depended on.
In response, individuals and communities have mobilized as ocean defenders, working to protect marine environments and human rights. However, they often encounter political marginalization, threats, violence, and even murder. Despite increased global recognition of land and freshwater defenders, ocean defenders remain largely overlooked in research, policy, and conservation efforts.
The Ocean Defenders Project was launched to address this gap by increasing awareness, documenting cases, and advocating for greater support. This report compiles research and case studies from the project, exploring threats to ocean defenders, the lack of data on violence against them, and the role of allies in providing protection. Through global collaboration, the project aims to amplify the voices of ocean defenders and drive meaningful action to safeguard them and the marine environments they fight to protect.
