Happy World Oceans Day!

Happy World Oceans Day! This year is all about sustaining what sustains us.

The oceans form the cornerstone of culture, economy and diet across the UK Overseas Territories (UKOTs). Since 2016, the Blue Belt Programme has been working with the UKOTs in developing and supporting the implementation of sustainable management frameworks. These are minimising the impact of human activities and providing areas of protection for vulnerable habitats and species, safeguarding ocean health for future generations

Today, we wanted to share some highlights of the work undertaken to establish Marine Protected Areas, understanding and tackling climate change impacts and ensuring sustainable and thriving fisheries across the UKOTs. However, this is only the tip of the iceberg. Discover the full breadth of our conservation work using the button below.

A global network of marine protected areas

St Helena's (pictured) MPA stretched 200 nautical miles around the island.

UKOTs in the Blue Belt Programme are currently managing one of the largest networks of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) of its kind on the planet. These MPAs are sanctuaries in which marine life can flourish. As a result, the MPAs continue to provide essential services, like climate change regulation, that sustain the communities that call them home. 

Fighting IUU fishing from space 

Satellite imagery ©2025 Maxar Technologies

Illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing causes unprecedented damage to fish stocks biodiversity. Satellite imagery is a useful tool for identifying any potential illicit activity over vast areas. Over the past year, the Blue Belt Programme took a total of 103.27 million km² of satellite imagery over UK Overseas Territories' waters. This is crucial for supporting monitoring and enforcement in the UKOT's fight against IUU fishing.

New lab to monitor the effects of climate change

The ecophysiology lab being delivered.

A new ecophysiology laboratory, funded by the Blue Belt Programme, is being installed on Ascension Island. Ecophysiology is the science of how organisms respond to environmental conditions. Once complete, the lab will aid crucial research on the effects of climate change on key local species, like grouper. 

The Blue Belt Programme is entering its 10th Year!

From enhancing scientific understanding to implementing evidence-based marine management strategies, we’re proud to reinforce the UKOTs' leadership in marine conservation. Over the coming months, we will be celebrating anniversaries of key moments from the programme. So watch this space!

Find out more about the Blue Belt Programme

The Blue Belt Programme is the UK Government’s commitment to support marine protection across the UK Overseas Territories. The Programme is delivered by the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas) and the Marine Management Organisation (MMO).