11th Our Ocean Conference 2026. This June will see Kenya will host the 11th Our Ocean Conference, OOC11, marking the first time the conference is held on African soil, bringing together leaders from government, science, civil society, youth, and the private sector to accelerate ocean action and turn collective ambition into meaningful progress. Prof Matt Frost, Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML)‘s Head of International Office, will take part in this invitation only event.
Hosted under the theme “Our Ocean, Our Heritage, Our Future”, the conference will highlight the deep connections between ocean health, culture, livelihoods, and economic resilience, while driving
concrete commitments to protect the ocean amid escalating pressures from climate change, illegal fishing, pollution, and biodiversity loss.
“Covering more than 70 per cent of the Earth’s surface, oceans are critical to life on the planet, producing over half of the oxygen humans breathe, regulating the climate, and supporting billions of
livelihoods. However, they are under severe threat from climate change, overfishing, marine pollution, biodiversity loss, and maritime insecurity. By hosting OOC11, Kenya seeks to leave a lasting imprint on global ocean governance, one that ensures future generations inherit a resilient, productive, and just ocean” Hon. Hassan Ali Joho E.G.H, Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs.
OOC11 will advance commitments and partnerships across six priority action areas: Marine Protected Areas, Sustainable Blue Economy, Ocean–Climate Nexus, Sustainable Fisheries, Marine
Pollution and Maritime Security.
Since it was launched in 2014, the OOCs have generated over 2,900 commitments worldwide worth more than US$169 billion. This includes commitments by Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML).
As host, Kenya will focus OOC11 to:
- Mobilise private-sector engagement and investment in the sustainable blue economy
- Empower and elevate young ocean leaders
- Catalyse ocean finance at scale
- Strengthen regional cooperation to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing
- Advance marine conservation and restoration aligned with climate goals and the 30×30 target
For more information please visit https://ouroceankenya.com.
Image: 11th Our Ocean Conference