The hallmark of 2016’s Our Ocean Conference were new commitments for significant and meaningful action to protect the ocean. There were also announcements on successful implementation of previous conference commitments and a particular focus on the role of technological innovation and entrepreneurship in ocean conservation.

Sustainable use partnerships were sought across industries, including fisheries, technology, plastic producers, waste management companies, major retailers, and major producers, as well as with multilateral development banks and committed civil society stakeholders, including philanthropies, NGOs, academia, and the faith-based community.