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Charting a Sustainable Future — Halifax OOC 2027

Jun 7, 2026

Charting a Sustainable Future — Halifax OOC 2027

In Spring 2027, the global spotlight on marine conservation will turn to Halifax, Nova Scotia. The Honourable Joanne Thompson, Minister of Fisheries, has announced that Canada will host the 12th Our Ocean Conference (OOC).

As a nation bordered by three oceans and boasting the world’s longest coastline, Canada’s connection to the sea runs deep. This premier ocean-action conference will bring together global leaders, governments, Indigenous partners, scientists, and civil society to drive meaningful commitments for ocean health.

Read the Government of Canada announcement

What is the Our Ocean Conference?

Section titled “What is the Our Ocean Conference?”

Launched in 2014, the Our Ocean Conference has established itself as a crucial platform for ocean action. Unlike traditional treaties that can take years to negotiate, the OOC focuses on rapid, voluntary, and measurable commitments. To date, the conference series has mobilized more than 2,900 commitments globally, valued at approximately $228 billion CAD.

Canada’s Vision for OOC 2027

Section titled “Canada’s Vision for OOC 2027”

By hosting the conference in Halifax, Canada aims to translate international ambition into tangible, on-the-water results. Key areas of focus for the 2027 conference include:

  • Protecting Marine Biodiversity: Advancing progress toward the “30x30” goal—protecting up to 30 percent of the marine environment by 2030.
  • Indigenous-led Stewardship: Integrating world-class marine science with generational Indigenous knowledge to guide ocean management.
  • The Blue Economy: Supporting sustainable and inclusive coastal economies, growing stronger fisheries, and addressing the impacts of climate change on ocean health.

Why Halifax?

Section titled “Why Halifax?”

Halifax, Nova Scotia is a fitting backdrop for this international gathering. As a historic hub on the Atlantic coast, the city is a community where the marine economy, ocean research, and coastal culture are deeply engrained in daily life.

With the challenges facing our oceans growing increasingly urgent, the 12th Our Ocean Conference represents a critical opportunity for global collaboration. Stay tuned for more updates as Canada prepares to welcome the world to Halifax in Spring 2027.