We observed a growing recognition of the need for integrated approaches to ocean conservation, with frameworks such as the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) beginning to incorporate ocean health metrics into broader environmental standards. While numerous frameworks exist—developed by industry groups, NGOs, and governmental bodies—many address ocean health only tangentially, lack specific guidance tailored to sectoral challenges, or lack granularity in addressing specific ocean pressures. This fragmentation can lead to overlapping mandates and diluted efforts among stakeholders. A few other frameworks stand out for their targeted focus on oceans—such as “Setting Sail,” “Turning the Tide,” and “Bonds to Finance the Sustainable Blue Economy”—each making significant contributions to marine conservation, though there are still additional aspects of marine conservation that these frameworks could address.
Despite these advancements, enforcement remains a challenge, and many countries struggle with compliance due to limited resources or political will. There is also an imbalance in how frameworks approach mitigation strategies; while fundamental avoidance and reduction strategies are typically well represented, restoration, regeneration, and transformation efforts are often overlooked due to their complexity. It is critical that the private sector take a holistic approach in contributing to a nature-positive future.
Based on our understanding of the landscape, we recommend that science-based targets should be focused on three key pillars– Capabilities, Collaboration, and Communication.
