– The ocean is a source of life – for nature, the economy, and future generations. Therefore, we must manage it with both wisdom and responsibility, says Minister of International Development Åsmund Aukrust.
The ocean maintains vital ecosystems and contributes to economic growth worldwide. Therefore, sustainable ocean management, in line with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals, is a central priority in Norwegian development policy. Goal 14 on life below water is particularly important in this context, however many other goals are also related to the ocean.
– In order to deliver on the SDGs, the world must increase ocean-based production. The ocean holds enormous potential for enhancing welfare and prosperity across the world. We can harness this potential if we manage to strike the right balance between conservation and sustainable use of ocean resources, emphasizes the Minister of International Development Åsmund Aukrust in the precafe of the ocean report.
Supporting the fight against marine litter
The fight against plastic in the ocean is one of the major focus areas for Norwegian ocean aid. International law is crucial here. Since 2022, the global community has been negotiating to establish an agreement with rules for the production and handling of plastic throughout its lifecycle.
– Plastic pollution knows no borders – therefore, the solution must be global. Norway is working towards a plastic agreement that can make a real difference, says Aukrust.
Through the aid program against marine litter, Norway is contributing to enabling developing countries, civil society, and researchers to actively participate in the negotiations. At the fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee in Geneva in August, this work will hopefully result in a binding agreement.
Norwegian aid also supports national waste systems to make it easier for our partner countries to implement the agreement.
In April 2024, it was announced that the Norwegian development program against marine litter and microplastics will be extended for four more years. The government allocated one billion kroner to stop plastic pollution. The program has been a beacon internationally and has inspired other countries to develop similar programs.
Contributing to sustainable fishing
Globally, nearly 500 million people depend on small-scale fishing. In 2024, it was ten years since the international guidelines for ensuring sustainable small-scale fisheries (SSF guidelines) were developed, partly funded by Norway. Norway supports the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in implementing the SSF guidelines globally through projects addressing gender equality, climate adaptation, and food security. For example, partners in Ghana and the Philippines received training in sustainable fish processing, and women in Zambia received support against gender-based exploitation in the fishing industry.
Illegal and unregistered fishing accounts for about 20 percent of the total wild fish catch worldwide. Norway collaborates with international organizations and local authorities to improve monitoring and control of fishing activities.
Norway shares its ocean knowledge
A healthy ocean is crucial for our ability to harvest seafood sustainably. Since 2021, Norway has supported the Blue Action Fund, which has funded 220 conservation projects in developing countries to establish or improve the management of protected areas covering 461,810 km².
A fundamental problem for ocean management is the lack of knowledge about life beneath the ocean's surface. Therefore, Norway also supports research and technology development through several initiatives, including our own research vessel, Dr. Fridtjof Nansen.
With Norwegian support, the UNDP Ocean Innovation Challenge and Fundacion Mare Nostrum have tested new technology to prevent bycatch of sharks, sea turtles, and other fauna. By attaching LED lights to nets, they have halved the bycatch of sea turtles and sharks – one of many important results of Norwegian ocean aid. – Norway will continue to lead the way in sustainable ocean management. This report shows our work to support the development of a vibrant ocean economy.
EAF Nansen Program
In 2025, the EAF-Nansen program celebrates 50 years of collaboration between Norway, FAO, the Institute of Marine Research, regional organizations, and 32 partner countries in Africa and the Bay of Bengal. With the research vessel Dr. Fridtjof Nansen at the forefront, the program has contributed to monitoring marine resources and ecosystems. Between 2017 and 2023, the program discovered 24 new species.
Read the 2025 ocean report for more examples of Norway's significant influence and efforts to protect and promote a healthy, sustainable ocean economy.
Read the report in English. Ocean Report 2025: Making Waves