The Ocean Conference taking place this June at UN headquarters is a unique opportunity to promote and accelerate action, partnerships, commitment and progress on Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14, "Life below water". The outcome will be a concise, focused, inter-governmentally agreed declaration in the form of a "Call for Action" to support the implementation of Goal 14.

Where is marine litter concentrated, and which species and ecosystems does it affect? Researchers at the Alfred Wegener Institute have for the first time compiled all scientific data published on marine litter in a single, comprehensive database.

The NOAA Marine Debris Program (MDP) is proud to announce the release of a new report detailing the potential of marine debris to act as a pathway for the introduction of invasive species.

Tiny plastic particles washed off products such as synthetic clothes and car tyres could contribute up to 30% of the ‘plastic soup’ polluting the world’s oceans and – in many developed countries – are a bigger source of marine plastic pollution than plastic waste, according to a new IUCN report.

More than 300 of the world’s pre-eminent thinkers, activists and decision makers meet in Bali, Indonesia to make progress towards a sustainable ocean economy.

Designed to mesmerise and enthral, the Ocean Film Festival Australia showcases more than two hours of sublime footage taken above and below the water’s surface.  The films document the beauty and power of the ocean, and celebrate the divers, surfers, sailors, paddlers, swimmers and oceanographers who live for the sea’s salt spray; who chase the crests of waves; and who marvel at the mysteries of the big blue.

More than 40 industry leaders have endorsed a new action plan to tackle global plastics issues, and have begun working together to create a more effective global system for plastics. The action plan is presented in The New Plastics Economy: Catalysing action, a new study by the World Economic Forum and the Ellen MacArthur Foundation with analytical support from SYSTEMIQ, which reveals that concerted action by industry could result in reuse and recycling of 70% of all global plastic packaging, up from today's recycling rate of just 14%.

Marine debris is negatively affecting more than 800 animal species and causing serious losses to many countries' economies, according to new United Nations report.

“Blind Spots” by performance artist and documentary filmmaker Christine Ren, uses stunning images and video to highlight the realities of consumer choices on the health of marine ecosystems. Her underwater-themed dance photoshoot produced in collaboration with Brett Stanley Photography is both breathtaking and alarming. Has plastic has become so ubiquitous in our everyday lives that we cease to notice it?

The results are in, and while the world's oceans show no significant decline over the past year, their condition should not be mistaken as a clean bill of health.