Welcome back Salty souls: radical 2026

2026 is shaping up to be one of the most important years for ocean conservation yet.

From landmark international treaties entering into force to critical decisions on deep-sea mining and marine protection, the year ahead could help define the future of our oceans. The pressure is on, and let’s be honest, navigating global decision- making can feel… a little overwhelming. Political drama, slow processes and competing priorities have left more than a few ocean lovers feeling apprehensive as we dive into another year.

But Radical has your back.

We’re here to keep sharing the salty truths. And this week, we’re talking all things 2026: goals, ocean guides, exciting announcements, and what this year really means for the sea, and for us.

Radical has always been about learning, questioning and caring deeply about our ocean, without pretending to have all the answers. I am after all, just a girl. Like the tide, things ebb and flow, and now feels like the right moment to come back grounded, motivated, and ready to dive deeper.

2026 feels different. It’s the year of the horse, powerful, faced-paced and full of momentum. There’s urgency, there’s energy, and there’s a growing community of people who care about the ocean and want to protect it imperfectly, passionately, and together.

This year, Radical is all about consistency over protection, action over overwhelm, and making ocean conservation feel accessible, human and hopeful.

Why 2026 matters for OCEAN CONSERVATION

The year ahead is PACKED with global decisions that could shape marine ecosystems for generations. Not all of them will be easy, and not all will prioritise long-term ocean health over short-term economic gain. That reality can feel heavy, but Radical has never been about doom-scrolling without direction.

So, here are some genuinely important ocean moments to watch in 2026.

1. The high seas treaty enters into force

The High Seas treaty, a UN treaty establishing a global framework to protect marine life in international waters by enabling MPAs (Marine Protected Areas, and regulating activities like deep-sea mining. HAHA TAKE THAT TRUMP! It will be officially entered into force on the 17th of Jan this year.

An epic start to 2026 if you ask me. This is an incredibly important treaty as it addresses gaps in international laws, tackles pressing issues such as overfishing, pollution and exploitation in vast ocean areas, which are tricky to manage. So in theory we are all going to become one big loving ocean protecting family… Right? A huge historical moment for ocean conservation. The challenge is now implementation, turning promises into real, enforced protection. As someone who utterly despises empty promises it will be interesting to see how this pans out.

2. Progress towards the 30×30 ocean protection goal

The 30×30 goal aims to protect at least 30% of the world’s ocean by 2030 to halt biodiversity loss and reduce climate impacts. Ambitious? Yes. Necessary? Absolutely.

2026 is a critical year for momentum. Countries are expected to integrate ocean protection into biodiversity strategies and climate plans, with real funding, monitoring and enforcement behind MPAs. The ocean doesn’t need more targets without teeth. It needs action, cooperation, and fewer empty words.

3. The un decade of ocean science:

We are halfway through the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021–2030). The aim of the decade is simple but powerful: ensure ocean science supports sustainable management of marine ecosystems. 2026 acts as a global check-in. What’s working? What isn’t? And what needs urgent attention if we’re serious about protecting the ocean?

Key ocean conservation decisions in 2026:

1. Deep-sea mining negotiations: The International Seabed Authority (ISA) will resume negotiations on deep-sea mining regulations. This remains one of the most controversial issues in modern ocean conservation. Deep-sea ecosystems are poorly understood, incredibly fragile, and potentially irreplaceable. Many scientists and conservation groups are calling for a strong precautionary approach , or a complete halt, due to the risk of irreversible damage
2. The Great Barrier Reef UNESCO Review: Australia must submit a full State of Conservation report to UNESCO by February 2026. The Reef remains under serious threat from climate change, coral bleaching and pollution, and the risk of being listed as “in danger” is very real. Global attention will be on action, not just promises.

Ocean conservation wins worth celebrating:

Despite the challenges there is real progress happening:

• Australia is expanding Indigenous Protected Areas and implementing its national Sustainable Ocean Plan.
• Belize is working toward legally protecting 30% of its marine area by 2026.
• French Polynesia has pledged to add 500,000 square kilometres of new highly protected ocean by World Ocean Day 2026.
• The European Union is strengthening fisheries regulations, including vessel tracking and digital seafood traceability.

These wins matter. Hope, backed by action, matters.

What to expect from Radical in 2026

This year, we’re diving back into Radical headfirst and focusing on growing a community of salty souls who care deeply about the ocean.

• New collaborations with ocean-minded humans and brands
• New content
• BIG trips and salty debriefs
• Fundraising for ocean and conservation causes (check out our London marathon page on the website and donate, if you can to our just giving page!! https://www.justgiving.com/page/phoebe-sharp-radical?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL)
• Interviews with people doing genuinely cool things for the sea
• New salty segments, including Radical Experiments. Where we try, test, learn and share ways to live more ocean-friendly lives, honestly and imperfectly

Here’s to 2026. The ocean will need us this year, and we’ll need each other. Here’s to new goals, big waves, honest connections and the same salty soul that started it all.

Thanks for being here.

Let’s make 2026 count.

Lots of Love, Radical xoxo