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 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 increase transparency in global fisheries, end illegal practices at sea, and protect the world’s most resilient reefs. 

Since 2014, Bloomberg Philanthropies has committed more than $366 million to ocean conservation going towards:   

• National solutions: The Bloomberg Ocean Initiative supports data-driven solutions in leading fishing nations. By improving both small- and industrial-scale fishing practices, this work helps meet rising global seafood demand and supports the livelihoods of billions of people. 

• 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, the initiative identifies challenges and drives effective solutions for fisheries and coral reef protection. 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.