OTTAWA, ON, June 8, 2026 /CNW/ - With the world's longest coastline, and three oceans--the Atlantic, Pacific, and Arctic--Canada understands the complexity and urgency of ocean stewardship. Canadian communities--coastal, northern, Indigenous, rural, and urban--are deeply connected to our oceans. The oceans define the culture and identity of our coastal communities and drive economic prosperity for our people.
Today, the Honourable Joanne Thompson, Minister of Fisheries, announced Canada will host the 12th Our Ocean Conference (OOC) Spring 2027, in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Drawing on commitments made in A Force of Nature: Canada's Strategy to Protect Nature, hosting OOC 2027 supports Canada's efforts to build a sustainable ocean economy, grow stronger fisheries, protect up to 30 per cent of the marine environment by 2030, and secure Canada's natural marine legacy for future generations.
Canada brings to OOC 2027 a distinct approach to ocean stewardship built on Indigenous knowledge that's been passed down over generations, combined with world-class science and a track record of multilateral collaboration.
As host of OOC 2027, Canada will work with global partners to accelerate commitments, strengthen ocean governance, and translate international ambition into tangible results. Hosting OOC 2027 reflects Canada's commitment to protecting marine ecosystems, supporting sustainable and inclusive ocean economies, and driving real results for the oceans.
Quotes
"As a nation bordered by three oceans and home to the longest coastline in the world, Canada's relationship with oceans runs deep, and we have a duty to protect the oceans and the livelihoods of our coastal communities. Canada looks forward to working with global partners as host of the Our Ocean Conference to make sure shared commitments lead to real results."
The Honourable Joanne Thompson, Minister of Fisheries
"From the Atlantic to the Pacific, and through the Arctic, our oceans support our communities, power our economy, and define our relationship with the natural world. Hosting the 12th Our Ocean Conference in 2027 reflects Canada's commitment to working with Indigenous Peoples, coastal communities, and international partners to advance ocean conservation, protect 30 per cent of our oceans by 2030, safeguard marine biodiversity, and build a sustainable ocean economy for future generations."
The Honourable Nathalie Provost, Secretary of State (Nature)
"Healthy oceans are essential to a stable climate, thriving ecosystems, and resilient communities. Canada's leadership in hosting the Our Ocean Conference reflects our commitment to tackling climate change, reducing pollution, and protecting marine environments at home and around the world through meaningful, measurable action."
The Honourable Julie Dabrusin, Minister of Environment and Climate Change
"From the small craft harbours in Sambro, to sailors in the Northwest Arm, to commuters navigating the Halifax Harbour on the daily, the Atlantic Ocean is engrained in the fabric of the life of every Haligonian. With that, our ocean sciences and marine innovation sector has demonstrated global leadership. As the first host city in Canada of Our Ocean Conference, Halifax is excited to welcome the world's most trusted and innovative minds who are working towards more protected and productive oceans."
Shannon Miedema, Member of Parliament for Halifax
Quick Facts
- The Our Ocean Conference was launched in 2014 and focuses on voluntary, measurable commitments to protect the ocean.
- More than 2,900 commitments have been made globally, valued at approximately $228 billion CAD.
- The Our Ocean Conference is a leading international platform that brings governments, Indigenous Peoples, industry, civil society, and academia together to drive action-oriented, measurable commitments for ocean conservation and to advance ocean protection and sustainable use.
- It is a global platform for mobilizing and implementing ambitious and concrete commitments on ocean action, and is a critical step in the global effort to protect 30 per cent of the ocean by 2030.
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SOURCE Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) Canada
Contacts: Ira Khedkar, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Fisheries, [email protected]; Media Relations: Fisheries and Oceans Canada, 613-990-7537, [email protected]
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