Oceana campaigns to protect marine creatures whose futures are at risk from irresponsible fishing, including sharks, turtles and marine mammals. Many populations are in decline because they are caught as bycatch, and because overfishing and destructive fishing decimates their food sources and habitat. The disappearance of keystone and ecologically important species, like sharks, can impact the health and future viability of marine ecosystems.

In addition to protecting marine life from dangerous fishing practices, Oceana also works to keep them safe from offshore energy exploration. For example, Oceana campaigns to keep the U.S. Atlantic Coast safe from seismic airgun blasting, which could threaten the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale and negatively impact dolphin populations. And while Oceana advocates for cleaner energy sources like offshore wind, Oceana urges that wind turbines be installed in a safe manner that minimizes harmful impacts on marine life.