30 Percent of Ocean Protected Here – and More to Come!

A new marine area roughly the size of Vietnam is now officially protected off the coast of Samoa.

“Today, Samoa has established itself as a leader in sustainable ocean management. We are proud to support Samoa’s visionary leadership and decisive action towards securing a healthy ocean, thriving communities, and a prosperous future for its people and the planet,” says Dr. Kathryn Mengerik, executive director of the Waitt Institute.

The Pacific Island nation of Samoa has outlined its plan to create nine distinct, fully protected marine areas. The area, spanning approximately 36,000 square kilometres, will prohibit all fishing and extraction activities, effectively safeguarding 30% of Samoa’s national waters. The plan further outlines how the nation can continue to protect its oceans and have 100% of its waters sustainably managed by 2030. Samoa, partially due to its intrinsic relationship with the sea, has led the way in various ocean protection initiatives. For instance, back in 2003, it was one of the first countries to declare its ocean a sanctuary for marine life. This small Pacific island nation is certainly setting an example for countries worldwide on how to live more sustainably and harmoniously with nature.