To mark World Ocean Day 2026, the MSC, the international ecolabel and charity focused on stopping overfishing, has published new research which reveals many Brits do not understand key facts about the ocean.
Almost a fifth (16%) of Brits do not know our planet is covered by more ocean than land, and one in four (25%) are unaware that in some places the ocean is deeper than Mount Everest is high, the survey found. While 69% correctly identified that overfishing is more widespread today than it was 50 years ago, 31% wrongly thought fish populations can never recover from overfishing, and a further 23% were unsure.
The survey also found strong public concern about ocean health, with 90% of Brits saying they are worried about the state of the ocean. Climate change, pollution and declining fish populations were among the main concerns.
The data from independent research company GlobeScan highlights both the scale of public misunderstanding about the ocean and the need for greater awareness that, with the right management, fish stocks can rebound.
The MSC’s new report, Fishing for the Future, also released today shows examples of fish stocks that recovered when effective, science-based measures were put in place to manage the fisheries targeting them.
Rowan Williams, MSC UK & Ireland commercial officer, said: “The evidence is clear – recovery is possible when fisheries are managed sustainably.
“On World Ocean Day, we are sending the message that, with science-based management, strong collaboration, and long-term commitment, it is possible to manage our marine resources sustainably.”
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