The Starfish Barometer is a new initiative launched on World Ocean Day, 8 June 2025, during the Third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) in Nice, to provide a concise, science based annual overview of the multiple dimensions of the Ocean through the lens of its interdependence with humanity.
Each year, the Barometer presents a carefully curated selection of Ocean-related developments, chosen for their global significance and grounded in the most up-to-date 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
The 2025 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)
Supporting small-scale fishers (14.B)
Upholding international law (14.C)
With the Third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) taking place in June 2025, and the ratification of the High-Seas Treaty and Biodiversity beyond National Juridiction(BBNJ) on the horizon, this year marks a critical juncture for Ocean governance - where multilateral cooperation and concrete actions are more urgent than ever.