Our Story
The ocean covers more than 70% of our planet and is central to life on Earth. It feeds over 3 billion people, drives 90% of global trade, supports over 100 million full-time equivalent jobs, absorbs around 30% of the world’s carbon emissions, and produces at least half of the oxygen we breathe. Put simply: a healthy ocean is not a niche concern — it is fundamental to global stability, prosperity, and climate resilience.
For the UK — an island nation with over 17,000 km of coastline, home to more than 8.7 million people — the ocean should be at the heart of political and economic thinking. Yet despite its critical role, it has often been overlooked in politics and overshadowed even within environmental agendas, with no organisation solely dedicated to championing it from within UK political parties. Friends of the Ocean was created to change that.
Our impact
Friends of the Ocean was founded on a simple conviction: that the ocean deserved a stronger, more consistent voice at the heart of UK political life. From the outset, we began convening a coalition of Cabinet Ministers, MPs, Peers, Councillors, and activists united by a shared belief in the need for stronger leadership on ocean issues. The appetite was immediate and overwhelmingly positive, leading to tangible outcomes, including:
Securing the passage of the Shark Fins Act 2023, working with key partners to end the import and export of detached shark fins in the UK.
Conserving more than 187,000 km² of ocean around South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands by partnering with the Great Blue Ocean Coalition of leading NGOs.
Establishing the Ocean Council—a first-of-its-kind network of over 100 Councillors advocating for ocean action in local government across the UK.
Securing policy commitments from party leadership, including a five-point Ocean Pledge signed by the Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, during the 2022 leadership race.
Building a coalition of influential Parliamentary Patrons, including the Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons, Nusrat Ghani MP, former Leader of the House of Commons, Penny Mordaunt, Lord Duncan of Springbank, and Baroness Owen of Alderley Edge—trusted political figures who champion ocean and coastal issues across climate, energy, and national security debates.
Our unique position within british politics
Across the UK and globally, environmental issues are becoming increasingly politicised. Policies designed to combat climate change and protect nature are weaponised by political actors—challenged, delayed, or rolled back entirely. Ocean conservation is no exception. Friends of the Ocean was established to meet this challenge head-on—and we are uniquely positioned to deliver measurable, lasting impact. Our strengths include:
Political Access & Expertise: Our supporters bring direct experience from Downing Street, Parliament, the Civil Service, and local government—giving us an insider’s understanding of how to navigate political systems and achieve results.
Influential Parliamentary Patrons: Respected figures from both Houses of Parliament elevate our credibility, expand cross-party influence, and drive ocean leadership at the highest levels.
Strong Media Relationships: We work with trusted journalists and media to shape public narratives, build support, and create momentum behind campaigns that influence decision-makers.
Insider Party Expertise: With direct experience inside central party offices and local associations across the Conservatives, Reform, and Labour, we bring a detailed understanding of how to engage party structures and maintain a strong presence at key national and regional conferences.
NGO Expertise and Global Ties: Our Executive Director, Marc Nykolyszyn, has held senior roles at Oceana and Conservation International, two leading global ocean organisations, giving us deep sector knowledge and a rare ability to bridge the NGO and political worlds to drive impact.
Our Approach
Friends of the Ocean doesn’t campaign from the outside; we engage directly and constructively with policymakers. We are not a think tank or a passive observer, but an active, solutions-focused organisation, committed to turning public concern into policy change through targeted and strategic engagement. Through this approach, we:
Advocate directly with Cabinet Ministers, MPs, Peers, and Councillors—sharing tailored briefings and talking points to help them champion ocean and coastal issues in Parliament, local authorities, and party platforms.
Collaborate with leading ocean NGOs to ground advocacy in science and frontline experience, serving as a trusted bridge between policymakers and the environmental community.
Champion leadership within the business community — particularly sectors with strong marine and coastal ties — to showcase how ocean priorities drive jobs, growth, and regional renewal.
Host strategic events that unite political leaders, NGOs, and the business community—driving dialogue, alignment, and concrete action on ocean priorities.
Build a national base of political and grassroots support, ensuring strong visibility at major party gatherings and sustained engagement throughout the year.
Celebrate Britain’s maritime identity by providing a platform for local voices, coastal heritage, and community leadership long overlooked in national politics.
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