About Us

The Crisis We Cannot Ignore

The ocean covers over 70% of our planet, produces more than half the oxygen we breathe, and regulates our climate—yet it receives less than 1% of global philanthropic funding. In 2022, just $0.9 billion was directed toward ocean conservation globally out of the $811 billion donated worldwide.

Meanwhile:

90% of global fish stocks are overfished or exploited
A garbage truck’s worth of plastic enters the ocean every minute
Destructive bottom trawling destroys seabed ecosystems the size of the UK every year

This chronic underfunding is pushing marine ecosystems toward collapse. If we don’t change how we fund ocean recovery, we risk losing the very system that sustains life on Earth.

The Solution: 10% for the Ocean

What if just 10% of all charitable giving went to ocean conservation? That would unlock $80 billion annually—enough to end overfishing, restore vital ecosystems, and protect 30% of the ocean by 2030.

10% for the Ocean aims to build the world’s largest philanthropy fund for ocean recovery. Like a mutual fund for the sea, we pool donations from individuals, businesses, and foundations to fund the most impactful conservation, research, and restoration initiatives worldwide.

Join the movement. Take the 10% pledge. Together, we can turn the tide.

Fisherman throwing net at sunset in Vietnam

A Revolution in Ocean Conservation

10% for the ocean came to life following a series of conversations with leading scientists, conservationists and philanthropists, who all highlighted the failure of existing funding systems to support healthy oceans.

The ocean currently receives less than 1% of all global charitable giving and is the least funded of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We launched 10% for the Ocean to create a step-change in support for marine conservation and drive funds to those who most need it.

Our Mission

We exist to close the ocean funding gap. As a global alliance of over 60 leading ocean charities and initiatives across 27 countries, we are building the world’s largest philanthropic fund for ocean conservation. Our mission is bold: to revolutionise how humanity understands, values, and protects the ocean. To achieve this mission, we work to inspire individuals and businesses to pledge 10% of their annual donations to ocean conservation efforts to protect and sustain our marine environments. Through grants, awareness raising and partnerships, we support the most impactful local efforts to protect marine ecosystems and promote sustainable practices.

A Smarter Way to Fund the Ocean

Imagine a mutual fund for the ocean—a powerful, collective giving engine that taps into fresh capital from individuals, businesses, and foundations rather than competing over limited resources. At 10% for the Ocean, we’re creating a global philanthropy fund dedicated to ocean recovery.

Our approach pools resources to fund the most promising conservation, research, and restoration initiatives worldwide. We ensure that the right projects, led by the best organisations, receive the support they need to make a real impact.

Every contribution, whether small or large, fuels a blue recovery—restoring marine ecosystems, protecting biodiversity, and securing our future. Together, we can turn the tide.

A United Force for Ocean Health

By joining this movement, donors become part of a united force for ocean health, supporting a global network of high-impact marine conservation projects. Whether through small contributions or large-scale commitments, every donation fuels a blue recovery—restoring marine ecosystems, protecting biodiversity, and safeguarding our future.

Bringing the Ocean to the World’s Stage

In collaboration with Silverback Studios and Sir David Attenborough, we are producing ‘Oceans with David Attenborough’, a landmark feature documentary set for global release in 2025. This film will celebrate the beauty of the marine world while exposing the urgent threats it faces. More than just a documentary, it will be the catalyst for a worldwide movement to place the ocean at the heart of environmental action.

A Global Network of Impact

We work with a dynamic community of over 60 ocean charities running hundreds of projects across the world. From restoring coral reefs and protecting marine biodiversity to driving policy change and supporting scientific research, we ensure that every pound donated is put to work where it matters most.

The 10% Pledge: A Commitment to Change

Committing 10% of global charitable giving—about $80 billion annually—to ocean conservation would transform marine protection, expanding protected areas, restoring vital ecosystems, and driving sustainable innovation. This funding boost would safeguard the livelihoods of 3 billion people, help tackle climate change, and support the goal of protecting 30% of the ocean by 2030.

Take the 10% Pledge now and commit to donating 10% of your annual giving to ocean conservation. Together, we can raise the ocean’s share of global giving from 0.3% today to 10% over the next decade.

Join the Movement

The future of our oceans—and our planet—depends on what we do now. Make the 10% Pledge today and be part of a global revolution to protect the lifeblood of our world.

This isn’t just about conservation. It’s about securing the future.

Our Theory of Change

Impact

Increase charitable funding for ocean conservation from less than 1% to 10%.

Contribute to SDG14 by conserving and sustainably using oceans, seas, and marine resources for sustainable development.

Outcomes

Marine biodiversity is revived and protected through sustainable and inclusive practices.

Sustainable and inclusive coastal economies and ecosystems are fostered.

Local voices advocate regionally and globally for ocean conservation and sustainable marine practices.

Charitable funding dedicated to ocean conservation increases.

Outputs

ORN partners develop and strengthen connections with other actors.

Increased resilience among ORN partners.

Local groups gain visibility.

Greater public awareness and engagement with ocean conservation issues.

Activities

Grantmaking

Selecting a group of grassroots organisations and research institutions to form the Ocean Recovery Network.

Marine conservation programmes.

Legal and advocacy efforts, such as establishing Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).

Education and awareness raising.

Research initiatives.

Educational Initiatives

Increasing public awareness about the threats and benefits of the ocean through:

Collaborating to the production of original material to bring people closer to the sea (ie. documentaries, exhibitions, pictures etc).

Amplifying the voices of our partners and ensuring their messages reach beyond their geographic base.

Inputs

Flexible funding.

Additional relationships with peers and hard-to-reach partners.

Non-financial support to enhance fundraising and communication.

Increased capacity for public engagement and awareness through media and storytelling.