08/06/2026
"The Ocean is our most precious common good. One year after the United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice, France is still no less committed.
Today, on World Ocean Day, let’s remind ourselves of the main results of the conference and take a look at recent progress:
→ Entry into force of the High Seas Biodiversity Treaty, thanks to UNOC3. France is now focusing its efforts on the first Ocean COP, to be held in January 2027, and is working to identify the first high seas marine protected areas.
→ Strengthening of the fight against illegal fishing, with several new countries signing up to the various international agreements. The mobilization is continuing: under the French presidency, the G7 environment ministers have adopted a declaration to step up the fight against illegal fishing.
→ France designated 63 highly protected areas in 2025. There are three new protected areas from today in Baie d’Audierne, Guadeloupe and the French Southern and Antarctic Lands, taking the share of highly protected French waters to 14.68% – a milestone towards our target of 14.8% by the end of 2026.
→ Stepping up the fight against plastic pollution. Launch of a national “Zero plastic waste at sea” plan 2026-2030, to continue the fight against pollution that is choking marine ecosystems.
The ocean regulates our climate, feeds billions of people and is home to irreplaceable life. Protecting it means protecting ourselves.
A year on from UNOC3, France is setting an example and calling for collective mobilization. States, scientists, businesses, citizens: everyone must do their bit to protect the ocean. This fight is bringing us together." 🇫🇷 President
