Overview

Editions
2026 2025

Launched on World Ocean Day (8 June 2025) during the Third United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice, the Starfish Barometer offers a yearly synthesis of the most recent and robust scientific knowledge on the Ocean, accessible to all. Returning on World Ocean Day 2026 one year after its inaugural edition, the Starfish Barometer confirms its role as a recurring tool for publicly accessible, up-to-date knowledge on the Ocean and its interactions with Humanity.

2026: THE SECOND EDITION FINDS THAT ACCELERATING OCEAN CHANGE IS OUTPACING GLOBAL RESPONSE

The key figures highlighted above represent the most recent estimates available on 8 June 2026.
Copyright © Starfish Barometer
These figures show that ocean degradation continues in 2026, while political, financial, and conservation responses remain insufficient in both scale and pace. At the same time, the year marked several important governance milestones, signaling stronger global momentum for a healthier ocean.

Conceived as an annual rendez-vous, the Barometer presents each year a curated selection of major Ocean-related developments, chosen for their global significance and grounded in the latest scientific evidence.

The Starfish Barometer emphasizes the two-way relationship between Humanity and the Ocean: we impact its future, and it shapes ours.
Its distinctive format - a five-armed starfish with the current state of the Ocean on the top arm - visually represents the balance conveyed by the four remaining arms. This unique, balanced perspective highlights the complex interactions shaping the Ocean/Humanity relationship, empowering informed decisions and commitments for Ocean sustainability : 
  • Human-induced pressures undermining Ocean's health
  • Resulting harms to society
  • Ocean protection efforts underway
  • Opportunities the Ocean continues to offer humanity

This unique perspective highlights the complex interactions shaping the Ocean/Humanity relationship and aims to support informed decisions and commitments for Ocean sustainability.

The Starfish Barometer highlights several strategic leverage points to accelerate progress on UN Sustainable Development Goal 14 - Conserve and sustainably use the Oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development - including:

  • Reducing marine pollution (14.1)
  • Protecting ecosystems (14.2)
  • Tackling overfishing and destructive practices (14.4)
  • Conserving marine areas (14.5)
  • Strengthening Ocean science (14.A)
  • Upholding international law (14.C) 
The Barometer draws on a robust body of published scientific evidence to show how ocean change is reshaping ecosystems, economies and societies. Its aim is to make complex science accessible for decision-makers and the wider public. 

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Read the full peer-reviewed paper of the 2026 Starfish Barometer. PDF document with full methodology and references.
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Key findings at a glance. Perfect for sharing and quick reference. Available in multiple languages.
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