Ocean Rights
We advance an ethical human-Ocean relationship
At a glance
Legal developments and initiatives advancing the rights of marine ecosystems and species.
Organisations and institutions joined in support of Ocean Rights within the first year of movement-building efforts.
About
The Ocean is more than a resource. It is a living, interconnected system that sustains life on Earth and possesses intrinsic value beyond its utility to humanity. Ocean Rights seeks to reshape the legal and governance frameworks that guide humanity's relationship with the Ocean, moving from extraction and exploitation towards responsibility, reciprocity and stewardship.
At Ocean Vision Legal, we work alongside governments, institutions, Indigenous Peoples, communities and partner organisations to advance Ocean Rights through law, policy, governance and strategic implementation. Our role is not to impose a singular legal approach, but to support the diverse and context-specific ways in which societies are recognising the Ocean's intrinsic value and strengthening its protection.
How We Support Partners
We believe legal pluralism is essential to achieving a just and inclusive future for Ocean governance. Different communities, cultures and legal traditions may pursue Ocean Rights in different ways. We respect and support these diverse approaches while helping strengthen the legal foundations that make them effective.
How we can support you:
Key Milestones
IUCN Resolution 8.055
With the sponsorship of Gallifrey Foundation, Ocean Vision Legal drafted and led advocacy for IUCN Resolution 8.055, Advancing an Ethical Human–Ocean Relationship. Co-sponsored by Panama and Vanuatu, the Resolution received a 92% approval rating at the 2025 IUCN World Conservation Congress and represents a significant step forward in advancing Ocean Rights principles within international conservation discourse.
Advocacy and Implementation
We published the Ocean Rights Communications & Advocacy Toolkit, contributed to international dialogue through keynote presentations and continue to support organisations exploring innovative governance models that recognise and represent the interests of marine species and ecosystems.
Whale Personhood in the Pacific and Beyond
Ocean Vision Legal developed a legal assessment exploring the recognition of legal personhood for Whales in the Pacific and contributed to He Whakaputanga Moana (Declaration for the Ocean). We continue to support legislative development, implementation pathways and community awareness initiatives relating to whale personhood across the Pacific, including Aotearoa New Zealand and the Kingdom of Tonga, and in the United States, Germany and Australia.
In partnership with Gallifrey Foundation, Ocean Vision Legal helped launch OceanRights.com global hub for learning, resource sharing, movement-building and collaboration.
Whether you are a policymaker, lawyer, researcher, organisation, community representative or advocate, we invite you to explore, engage and contribute to the growing Ocean Rights movement.
Support Our Work
The Ocean needs more than awareness. It needs accountability. Your support helps advance strategic legal action, achieve strengthen Ocean Rights and support Ocean-dependent and Indigenous communities working to protect the ecosystems they know best. Together, we can help turn legal obligation into lasting Ocean protection.
