Ocean evolution has produced fish in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some fish use their pectoral fins to "walk," while others, like ghost sharks, thrive in the dark depths of the ocean.

These unique adaptations make these ocean animals well suited for life beneath the waves.

In 2022, Oceana researchers spent eight days exploring 23 sites around Kodiak Island to study deep-sea corals and seafloor habitats. The expedition revealed a vibrant ocean ecosystem from the surface to the seafloor.

The goal was to enhance understanding of the Gulf of Alaska's seafloor to aid Oceana's campaign against destructive bottom trawling.

🌊 Get Involved 🌊
Subscribe to Oceana: https://oceana.ly/subscribe
Become a Wavemaker: https://oceana.ly/4rGhn8Z
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok.

In August, The Ocean Cleanup expanded operations to Colombia, signing a Memorandum of Understanding with Santa Marta to deploy Interceptors in the Río Manzanares and Río Gaira. This initiative is part of the 30 Cities Program, aiming to prevent one-third of river plastic from entering the ocean by 2030.

In Panama City, Interceptors 024 and 025 effectively managed trash influx during heavy rains, while in Jamaica, Interceptors 011, 013, and 015 stopped tons of waste from reaching the Caribbean Sea. Additionally, our team tested the Smart Steering Strategy in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch and plans to share findings soon. An upgrade for Interceptor 004 in the Dominican Republic will include a new 400-meter barrier to enhance plastic capture.

The deep sea urgently needs protection as corporations rush to mine minerals in fragile habitats, risking the destruction of ecosystems we barely understand. In this video, Oceana Senior Advisor Alexandra Cousteau highlights the detrimental effects of deep-sea mining on marine life.

We must prevent the exploitation of this unique ecosystem. Join us in urging lawmakers to halt the fast-tracking of deep-sea mining: https://oceana.ly/4cm1NdO. Stay updated by subscribing to Oceana: https://oceana.ly/subscribe and become a Wavemaker: https://oceana.ly/4rGhn8Z. Follow Oceana on Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok.

📍 Panama

Check out one of Interceptor 024's latest catches! Stay tuned until the end to see a person for scale.

August brought significant positive developments for our oceans. Federal lawmakers took a stand against the Trump administration to protect endangered species.

Additionally, a brutal annual seabird hunt was canceled for the first time in over 400 years, marking a notable victory for marine conservation.

Cardinalfish fathers exhibit a unique parenting behavior by carrying their eggs in their mouths for protection.

Learn more about these fascinating creatures and their role in marine life.

Plastic pollution threatens the pristine natural beauty and biodiversity of U.S. national parks, from Glacier Bay's icebergs to Dry Tortugas' coral reefs.

This National Parks Week, join the effort to protect these vital habitats from plastic waste. Learn more at Oceana.

The Great Pacific Garbage Patch (GPGP) is the largest offshore plastic accumulation zone, located between Hawaii and California. Each year, an estimated 1.15 to 2.41 million tonnes of plastic enter the ocean from rivers, with over half of it being buoyant and unable to sink.

The GPGP spans approximately 1.6 million square kilometers, twice the size of Texas. Its location and shape fluctuate due to seasonal and interannual changes in winds and currents, with the patch generally orbiting around 32°N and 145°W. Researchers have noted significant variations in its position, influenced by ocean currents.

In the past year, scientists have uncovered some extraordinary species, including hairy fish and carnivorous "death-ball" sponges.

These discoveries highlight the incredible diversity of ocean wildlife and the ongoing importance of STEM research in understanding our planet's ecosystems.

We are expanding our operations to Santa Marta, Colombia, having signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the city to implement Interceptor solutions. These will capture plastic waste in the Río Manzanares and Río Gaira before it reaches the Caribbean Sea.

This partnership with the City of Santa Marta and Corapmag (Corporación Autónoma Regional del Magdalena) will also focus on downstream cleanups and responsible waste management, preventing collected plastic from re-entering the environment. Through collaboration with local stakeholders, we aim to protect marine ecosystems and support Santa Marta’s environmental stewardship as part of our 30 Cities Program to reduce global river plastic by 2030.

The ocean sunfish is among the heaviest bony fish, reaching weights of up to 4,900 pounds.

Discover more about sunfish in our Marine Life Encyclopedia.

Our Interceptors are designed to prevent plastic from entering the ocean, but they also capture biological waste like food scraps and plant materials. Much of this waste can be reused for composting or reclaimed materials.

In Indonesia, driftwood collected by Interceptor 020 is transformed into furniture, while in Guatemala, intercepted wood is supplied to local communities as firewood. However, invasive water hyacinth poses a significant challenge, as seen in the Dominican Republic and Vietnam, where it obstructs waterways and affects local ecosystems. Addressing these invasive species is crucial for restoring river health.

Interceptor upgrades are on the way in the Dominican Republic 🇩🇴. A new 400-meter barrier, our longest deployment yet, will effectively capture more plastic and invasive water hyacinths before they reach the river and ocean.

This upgrade aligns with the Government of the Dominican Republic's environmental initiatives and is expected to be completed by early 2027.

Dugongs and manatees are often confused, but they are distinct relatives. A simple way to differentiate them is by their tails: dugongs have fluke-shaped tails, while manatees have paddle-shaped tails.

To learn more about dugongs, visit our Marine Life Encyclopedia: https://oceana.ly/4zjglF2.

The ocean is teeming with incredible creatures that seem almost unbelievable! Discover some wild ocean animals that boast astonishing features.

Join us as we explore the fascinating world of marine life and its weird inhabitants.

Interceptor operations help prevent trash from entering the ocean by intercepting it in rivers. This initiative not only protects marine environments but also generates benefits for local communities.

By creating employment opportunities, these operations contribute to the economic well-being of the areas involved.