2014 Our Ocean Conference
In June 2014, the Department of State hosted the first “Our Ocean” Conference in Washington, D.C. Individuals, experts, practitioners, advocates, lawmakers, and the international ocean and foreign policy communities from nearly 90 countries were brought together to gather lessons learned, share the best science, offer unique perspectives, and demonstrate effective actions. Themes of the two day conference included sustainable fisheries, marine pollution, and ocean acidification. At the end of the conference, Secretary Kerry outlined an action plan of policy goals, best practices, and benchmarks aimed at translating the initiatives developed at the conference into a unified global ocean policy. The conference was a great success and resulted in new partnerships and initiatives valued at more than $800 million to conserve the ocean and its resources, as well as commitments on the protection of more than 4 million square kilometers of the ocean, an area greater than the size of Europe.
2014 Conference Outcomes
This document presents a set of actions relating to the three topics of the 2014 Our Ocean Conference (sustainable fisheries, marine pollution, ocean acidification) that the United States Government intends to undertake in our nation and to pursue with other nations and stakeholders at the international level.
This document gives an overview of the initiatives and commitments that various participants announced at the 2014 Our Ocean conference. Representatives of governments, international organizations, and civil society committed to undertake these initiatives and commitments in an effort to help address the challenges facing the ocean.
2014 Conference Materials
Fact Sheet – Protecting the Health of the Ocean: A Worldwide Challenge
Read official proceedings and remarks made during the first “Our Ocean” Conference here.
Background Documents
Success Stories: These are projects by governments, NGOs, private enterprise, and local communities from around the world that have elevated the level of awareness, protection, and stewardship of our ocean. (We are sharing these success stories or videos on behalf of our 2014 Our Ocean conference partners. The content is solely the responsibility of the 2014 Our Ocean conference partner and is neither endorsed by nor necessarily reflects the views of the United States.)
Force Multiplier Sessions
The Force Multiplier sessions previewed ideas, solutions and specific actions on how to promote ocean stewardship though the power of markets such as tourism and sustainable fisheries, as well as the value of nature or the blue economy, including habitat for fish, storm protection, and filtration for clean water.
