[External] Ocean Defenders: Protectors of our ocean environment and human rights

The report sheds light on the critical role of coastal communities in protecting marine ecosystems and human rights. It documents the struggles and resilience of small-scale fishers, Indigenous peoples, and grassroots movements worldwide as they defend their territories against environmental and social injustices.

• Coastal communities are at the forefront of defending ocean environments but face increasing threats from industrial expansion, pollution, and resource exploitation. 
• Ocean defenders frequently experience criminalisation, violence, and repression for protecting their rights and marine ecosystems. 
• Governments and corporations must uphold human rights obligations, ensure access to justice, and recognise the vital contributions of ocean defenders. 
• Strengthening legal frameworks, providing financial and institutional support, and increasing global solidarity are essential for safeguarding both ocean ecosystems and the people who depend on them.

Author

The Ocean Defenders Project (2025). Ocean Defenders: Protectors of our ocean environment and human rights. The Peopled Seas Initiative, Vancouver, Canada.