[7 March, Nice, France] – Ocean advocates took to the streets of Nice, France ahead of the United Nations Ocean Conference to call for stronger ocean protection. Organised by a coalition of marine and environmental NGOs led by Brussels-based Seas At Risk, the march comes just days after the announcement of the European Commission’s Ocean Pact, at a time when ocean policy – and progress on past promises – are under scrutiny.

Monica Verbeek, Executive Director of Seas At Risk said:

“People from across the planet marched today to speak up for the voiceless ocean. It gives us half of the oxygen we breathe and stabilises our climate, yet we continue to treat the ocean like a garbage bin. The worsening climate, biodiversity and pollution crises impact the livelihoods and wellbeing of people the world over. It’s against this backdrop that today we demand leaders gathering at the UN Ocean Conference to make bold and binding commitments. The ocean sustains us. Now it’s our turn to sustain it – with action, not promises.”

As well as being a celebration of the ocean and the life it harbours, the march was also a moment to shine a spotlight on the slow progress and dwindling political will of world leaders to take decisive, concrete measures that will make a real and lasting difference to the state of ocean health. With the ocean’s habitats and biodiversity declining faster than at any other time in human history and sea surface temperatures rising at unprecedented speed, global leaders cannot afford to continue their complacency about ocean action.

The demands voiced by those marching in Nice under the slogan ‘Protect the ocean, protect life’ echo the Blue Manifesto – a civil society roadmap for a healthy ocean by 2030. The Blue Manifesto sets out clear, scientific-based asks to help decision-makers take the right path for a healthy and resilient ocean. Among the calls being made by the demonstrators are: a phase-out of destructive fishing practices, including bottom trawling, in Marine Protected Areas; full involvement of coastal communities and indigenous people in ocean policy; and the adoption of the Protection Principle, so that ocean protection becomes the rule rather than the exception.

Delivering a speech during the march, Nice-native world champion freediver Guillaume Néry said:

“The Blue March is a powerful, peaceful, symbolic moment to make our voices heard before the arrival of Heads of State and diplomats, to express our hope and, above all, our anger. This summit must not be yet another stab in the dark. We are marching today to tell political and economic decision-makers: we’re out of time. Enough talking. The ocean doesn’t need fine words; it needs courage – political courage – and commitment.”

The science is clear, the solutions are known, and the public is mobilised. Now is the time for governments to turn words into action – for the ocean, for the planet, and for future generations.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

  • Photos of the march will be uploaded here for use by media.
  • The Blue March took place in Nice on Saturday 7 June from 17:00-19:00. More information, including the Blue March’s nine-point manifesto, can be found here.
  • The march included a performance by a band organised by Ocean Rebellion, called Seabed Slayers, and a series of speeches by:
    • Guillaume Néry, world champion freediver.
    • Coumba Saar & Soraya Mansouri, ‘Mamans Pour Le Climat’ by Banlieue Climat.
    • Louise Guillaumat, board member of SOS MEDITERRANEE.
    • Solomon ‘Uncle Sol’ Kaho‘ohalahala, Hawaiian Elder of the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument Advisory Council and Native Hawaiian Cultural Working Group.
    • Adélaïde Landrier, EarthEcho International.
  • The Blue Manifesto, a roadmap towards a healthy ocean by 2030, organised by Seas At Risk, ClientEarth, Oceana, Surfrider Foundation Europe, Birdlife Europe and Central Asia, and WWF is supported by over 140 organisations: read it here.

Posted on: 7 June 2025