Regions

Over 230 countries have coastlines that are washed by the oceans of the world. Just as on land where every country is set apart from another by its people and traditions, so it is in the sea - from the Arctic to the Atlantic and from the Caribbean to the Pacific - our oceans have different conditions that shape the wildlife and habitats that they support. Eighteen ocean regions will allow you to explore Planet Ocean in more depth! The boundaries of our eighteen ocean regions are based on differences in marine ecological conditions but also with an eye to political and administrative boundaries. We are using this framework to encourage more effective communications and discussion on marine conservation across the world. Each page features a volunteer advisor from the IUCN - World Commission on Protected Areas. They are helping us develop marine conservation work in the region. So dive in and explore your ocean world, what is being done to protect it, and tell us what YOU are doing so we can feature your work on these pages!

Apply to become a member of IUCN-WCPA Marine and help us expand our collective knowledge, capacity influence and expertise in MPAs across the globe. Membership is free and voluntary. Your role is simply to provide support (to the extent that you are able) in meeting our mission. In return you receive the professional recognition of being a member of the world's premier network of expertise on MPAs.