Oceana UK is a charity dedicated to achieving measurable change for our ocean and seas by conducting science-based campaigns and advocacy.
Results and impact:
Media articles
+1Kacross international, national, consumer, trade and regional media
Features
18in national media
Social media impressions
31.5thousand for #EndDestructiveFishing hashtag
Exposing destructive trawling in UK MPAs
Challenge: destruction in so-called Marine Protected Areas
Commercial trawling of the UK’s seabeds is tearing up vital habitats, killing precious marine life, and accelerating the climate crisis by destroying ecosystems key to carbon sequestration. Even worse, this destructive practice is taking place in so-called Marine Protected Areas. The UK government touts their leadership on ocean conservation on international stages, whilst engaging in greenwashing at home, convincing the UK public that MPAs are safeguarded.
Solutions: amplifying accurate research
In March 2023, we launched new analysis by Oceana UK revealing that MPAs were subjected to 136,000 hours of industrial fishing in 2022. To draw attention to the shocking stats we commissioned a supersized sand art installation of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak with a fish lodged in his mouth, featuring a clear call to the government to end destructive fishing.
Results: advocacy from activists
We secured just under 1,200 pieces of coverage across international, national, regional, consumer and trade media. Highlights included 19 in-depth articles in top-tier national and international outlets including The Independent, Daily Mail, Evening Standard and Euronews, as well as securing a feature in The Guardian’s round-up of best photographs across the globe. The campaign was also highlighted on social media by thought leaders Feargal Sharkey, Deborah Meaden and Jenny Jones.
Impact: established reputation as campaigners
As the inaugural campaign for the newly established UK arm of Oceana, #EndDestructiveFishing helped establish their reputation as a bold and dynamic NGO with a clear mission. Following the launch in March, the campaign was highly commended at the Purpose Awards EMEA 2023 in the Best Environmental Cause Campaign category.
Media coverage
Top stories included…
The Guardian: ‘Fishy Rishi’ featured in The Guardian’s round up of best photographs around the world on launch day.
The Independent: Fishing boats trawled protected areas for more than 7,000 hours, analysis shows.
Euronews: Protected UK seabeds subjected to 136,000 hours of ‘industrial fishing’ last year, Oceana reveals.
What our clients say…
“Oceana UK is establishing itself as a hard-hitting, no-nonsense, campaigning organisation, focused on winning big policy changes to protect and restore our ocean. Greenhouse Communications are the bold agency for us – willing to take risks, say things clearly, challenge authority and change the status quo. Our MPA campaign did exactly that, cutting through where others shy away. Great to see such a positive response from the media, celebrities and the public alike.”
