Ocean Conservation: What It Is and How to Help

Ocean conservation is the work of protecting and restoring marine ecosystems, the species that live in them and the water itself. It combines science (measuring what is changing), protection (marine protected areas and fishing rules), restoration (rebuilding habitats like kelp forests), pollution control on land, and education that turns people into the ocean's advocates.

The ocean covers about 71% of Earth's surface and produces roughly half of the planet's oxygen (NOAA). It has absorbed about 90% of the excess heat from global warming (NASA) and about 30% of the carbon dioxide people emit (NOAA), and aquatic foods supply at least a fifth of the animal protein eaten by more than three billion people (FAO). A healthy ocean is part of a livable climate, food supply and economy.

Warming water and marine heatwaves, ocean acidification as seawater absorbs carbon dioxide, pollution from plastic and urban runoff, overfishing, and the loss of coastal habitats such as kelp forests, wetlands and seagrass. In Southern California, runoff after rain and marine heatwaves that stress kelp forests are two of the most visible.

Marine protected areas (MPAs) are parts of the ocean where fishing and other activities are limited or banned so ecosystems can recover. California's network of 124 MPAs covers about 16% of state waters (California Ocean Protection Council). In Orange County they include Crystal Cove, Upper Newport Bay and the Laguna Beach marine reserve and conservation area.

Keep trash and chemicals out of storm drains (in Southern California they flow straight to the beach), cut single-use plastic, choose sustainable seafood, respect marine protected area rules, join a beach cleanup or a citizen-science survey, and support local organizations doing hands-on work. Small actions add up because most ocean pollution starts on land.

Through programs that put them in and around the water: tidepool and beach-cleanup days, citizen-science surveys, and in Orange County, My Clean Ocean's free youth programs, which take kids from underserved communities onto the boat, into the kelp and behind an underwater camera, with mentors and a path to real ocean careers.

Several do different parts of the work: My Clean Ocean in Newport Beach (youth ocean experiences, underwater filmmaking, citizen science and kelp days), the Ocean Institute in Dana Point (marine science education), Crystal Cove Conservancy (park science and education) and Orange County Coastkeeper (water quality and MPA monitoring). Supporting any of them helps the same coast.

Preservation means leaving an area untouched. Conservation means using and managing it sustainably so it stays healthy, which is why most ocean conservation allows some fishing and recreation while protecting key places, species and water quality.

Yes, when the organization is a 501(c)(3) public charity. My Clean Ocean is one (EIN 41-4167030). Our giving guide explains how the 2026 rules work, including the new deduction for people who don't itemize.