The world agreed to protect 30% of the ocean by 2030 – but marine protection can’t be judged by area alone

Rose Atoll Marine National Monument is a large marine protected area in American Samoa. Wendy Cover/NOAA

The ocean is home to some of the richest biodiversity on Earth. From coral reefs and mangrove forests to the deep sea, marine ecosystems sustain countless species, support coastal communities, regulate the climate and underpin global food security.

But these systems face growing pressure from overfishing, habitat loss, pollution and climate change.