The UN Ocean Decade has endorsed 102 new Decade Actions, bringing the total portfolio to 831 initiatives worldwide. These actions aim to close regional and thematic gaps in ocean science and support informed decision-making for sustainable development.

Endorsed Decade Actions have driven major progress in ocean policy, mobilized financial commitments for marine restoration, and accelerated momentum to protect 30% of the ocean by 2030. This new round of 102 Actions will further strengthen the connection between science, policy, and society, with a focus on increasing participation from underrepresented groups and regions. Implemented by 42 countries across all ocean basins, key highlights include:

Polar regions, Africa, and SIDS: Ten new projects enhance scientific cooperation in the Southern Ocean, Antarctica, and the Arctic. Another ten projects transform Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and African countries into "living laboratories" for ocean science, addressing climate change, pollution, and overfishing through source-to-sea management, coral reef restoration, and coastal waste systems.

Blue economy: Through a partnership with the Sustainable Blue Economy Partnership (SBEP), 24 projects contribute to a climate-neutral, resilient, and competitive ocean economy, focusing on offshore renewable energy, sustainable blue bioeconomy, and low-carbon ports.

Global network expansion: Seven initiatives received Decade Contributions status, providing in-kind or financial support. The German Ocean Foundation was designated as a Decade Implementing Partner to advance ocean literacy and science-society engagement, with a focus on youth.

The next Call for Decade Actions (No. 11/2026) will open on 15 April 2026.