Best national marine conservation initiatives

Similar to the Chilean initiative, this proposal from Costa Rica, under preparation since January 2026, represents a cutting-edge effort. It seeks the creation of a marine protected area on the high seas under the new High Seas Treaty.

This initiative, under preparation as of January 2026, is a pioneer in Latin America for protecting international waters. It represents a crucial step for global ocean conservation under the new High Seas Treaty.

This plan is a comprehensive and very recent national policy, published in December 2025, that establishes a roadmap for the sustainable management of Mexican seas and coasts. It defines specific objectives and strategies to align marine administration with international standards and global commitments.

This program is an updated and active initiative that seeks the recovery of marine turtle populations in Mexico. It addresses multiple factors affecting their life cycle through eleven strategic lines, including habitat protection and research.

Enacted in June 2023, this program is a recent national policy that integrates marine conservation with sustainable development and climate change adaptation. It prioritizes the sustainable use of marine biodiversity and good governance of waters.

This ongoing program, led by the Ministry of Environment, has shown empirical results in the recovery of marine turtle populations in El Salvador. It includes a total and permanent ban on egg consumption since 2009.

This consolidated system in Argentina represents a qualitative leap in conservation, contributing to the protection of oceanic biological richness and fishing resources. It contributes to the goal of protecting 10% of Argentine maritime areas.

The Dominican Republic deposited its instrument of ratification in March 2026, becoming the 87th State to commit to the protection of marine ecosystems on the high seas. This diplomatic action is very recent and significant.

According to an ECLAC report from March 2026, the Dominican Republic currently protects 13.3% of its marine areas. This shows tangible progress and a continuous commitment to the national protection of its marine resources, exceeding the 10% target for 2020.

Proposed in March 2025, this ambitious legislation seeks to significantly expand Norway's capacity to protect its vast marine areas. It would allow the establishment of marine protected areas up to 200 nautical miles around its territory.

Signed in December 2025, this tripartite agreement with the EU and the UK demonstrates Norway's commitment to sustainable fisheries management. It includes significant reductions in total allowable catches for 2026, based on scientific recommendations.

In March 2026, Norway halted its plans to exploit the seabed, a crucial decision that directly benefits marine conservation. This action responds to criticism regarding the potential irreversible environmental impacts of deep-sea mining.