New marine protected areas in French Polynesia, Chile, Greece and New Zealand highlight growing global momentum toward safeguarding ocean ecosystems.
Large school of humpback red snapper at Fakarava Atoll in French Polynesia
Several major marine protected areas (MPAs) are coming into effect around the world in 2026, marking significant progress toward international targets for ocean protection. New or expanding reserves in French Polynesia, Chile, Greece and New Zealand together represent millions of square kilometres of ocean receiving stronger conservation status.
These developments come as governments and conservation organisations work toward the international goal of protecting 30 percent of the world’s oceans by 2030. At present, scientists estimate that roughly 8 percent of the global ocean is fully or strongly protected, meaning substantial expansion of marine protection is still required.
Vast Pacific reserve
One of the most significant initiatives is Tainui Atea, the vast marine protected area encompassing nearly all of French Polynesia’s exclusive economic zone.
The reserve—covering more than 4.5 million square kilometres—was announced in 2025 but is now moving toward formal designation and implementation. Once fully established, it is expected to become the largest marine protected area in the world.
The initiative aims to safeguard coral reefs, pelagic ecosystems and migration routes used by sharks, whales, tuna and other oceanic species across a huge portion of the South Pacific.
Chile strengthens protections
Chile has also expanded its marine conservation efforts, announcing measures that will bring more than half of the country’s ocean waters under protection through an expanded network of MPAs.
The country already manages some of the world’s largest marine reserves around remote Pacific territories, such as Rapa Nui (Easter Island) and the Juan Fernández archipelago, and the new measures further strengthen this conservation framework.
Mediterranean marine parks
In the Mediterranean, Greece is establishing two new national marine parks in the Aegean and Ionian Seas.
The parks aim to protect biodiversity hotspots used by endangered species, including Mediterranean monk seals, sea turtles and numerous seabirds, while contributing to Europe’s broader marine conservation targets.
South Island reserves
Meanwhile, several new marine reserves off New Zealand’s South Island are moving forward following the resolution of legal challenges that had previously delayed their creation.
The reserves will protect a range of coastal ecosystems, including rocky reefs, kelp forests and deep-water habitats.
Expanding the global network
Taken together, these initiatives illustrate a growing shift toward large-scale ocean protection. Scientists say well-managed marine protected areas can help restore marine biodiversity, rebuild fish populations and improve the resilience of ocean ecosystems facing climate change.
