The Frustrations Surrounding Environmental Protection Policy & Regulation: An Ocean-Lover’s Perspective

Published on 2/20/25

Written by Jessica Colla

As an ocean lover, you’ve probably felt it before: the frustration of seeing harmful practices continue in our oceans, despite the constant ecological warnings and calls for action by marine scientists. Maybe you’ve participated in beach clean-ups, reduced your carbon footprint, or supported campaigns aimed at saving our seas. But sometimes, it feels like no matter how hard we try, the ocean is still under threat.

Why does it feel like protecting the ocean is always two steps forward and two steps back??

In this blog, we'll dive into the challenges of environmental protection policies, explain the difference between top-down political regulation and bottom-up grassroots change, and provide some hopeful solutions so you can continue your advocacy with renewed energy.

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Why Environmental Regulations Are Crucial for Ocean Health

First, let's talk about why ocean-related environmental regulations exist in the first place. We need these rules to protect fragile ecosystems, reduce pollution, and manage natural resources responsibly. Without them, the damage done by industrial activities like overfishing, oil drilling, and waste dumping would spiral out of control.

For centuries, the environment was viewed as a free resource—something to be exploited for economic gain or used as a dumping ground without considering long-term ecological consequences. This phenomenon, known as the tragedy of the commons, led to widespread environmental degradation, making regulations essential to prevent irreversible harm.

Here in the USA, the Environmental Protection Act (EPA) of 1970—and the subsequent National Environmental Protection Agency (NEPA)—provides a national framework of policies and laws to protect our nation's environment.

Another great ocean-based example of environmental protection is Marine Protected Areas, also known as MPAs. MPAs are zones where human activity is more strictly regulated to conserve the biodiversity, natural systems and even cultural heritage of the ocean. These areas have been proven to restore marine ecosystems and fish populations. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), MPAs now cover about 7.65% of the world’s oceans, with the goal to protect 30% by 2030. Yet, the flip side of this statistic is also true; over 90% of our oceans remain unprotected and vulnerable to over-exploitation and pollution.

So, while environmental regulations like MPAs are vital, they aren’t enough on their own. Unfortunately, top-down political regulation often moves at a snail’s pace, leaving ocean conservation efforts struggling to keep up with the rapid pace of industrial damage.

The Frustrations of Top-Down Political Regulation

As important as environmental regulations are, there’s no denying that top-down approaches can be slow and riddled with compromise. Many ocean conservation policies take years (even decades!) to pass through the political process, only to be watered down by political interests, lobbying from powerful corporations, small budgets and enforcement limitations.

“Two Steps Forward, Two Steps Back”

Let’s take the example of plastic pollution. Several countries have enacted bans on certain single-use plastic products, yet progress has been slow and inconsistent. According to the UN, only 127 out of 195 countries have implemented some kind of regulation to reduce plastic bag usage. Without limitations, major corporations continue to produce massive amounts of plastic for the single-use market.

A common analogy for dealing with plastic pollution is an overflowing bathtub. Imagine water spilling out over the edges of the tub and onto the floor. Overwhelmed, you may be inclined to reach for a towel and start mopping up the flooded floor. BUT the most essential first step should be turning off the tap. I.E. - its more important to address the source of the problem than mitigating the symptoms of it.

As an ocean lover, it can be disheartening to see environmental protection policies stall in political gridlock or to learn that essential regulations are reversed when new leadership comes into power. Lobbying from industries like oil, fishing, and shipping often leads to reduced regulation, weak enforcement or loopholes that allow damaging practices to continue, despite the evidence of their harm.

Take, for instance, the rollback of protections for the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument under the Trump administration, which was later restored under Biden. These policy reversals leave advocates feeling like hard-earned progress can disappear overnight.

Lobbying and Special Interests

Sadly, the frustrations don’t stop there. Corporations that profit from damaging ocean activities (ex. seafloor drilling, explosive seismic surveys, overfishing and unsustainable fishing methods, etc.) often have powerful lobbying groups that influence lawmakers.

Fossil fuel companies, for example, have a vested interest in preventing stricter regulations on offshore drilling. In 2020 alone, the oil and gas industry spent over $100 million on lobbying in the U.S., making it harder to pass effective environmental policies.

The Limitations of Bottom-Up Grassroots Movements

If waiting for top-down regulations feels like watching paint dry, then grassroots movements (also known as bottom-up) offer a more dynamic alternative. Grassroots campaigns, driven by passionate individuals, play an essential role in raising awareness and driving change at the community level. They’re responsible for some amazing victories, like the ban on plastic straws in many places or the rising popularity of sustainable seafood choices.

Grassroots efforts Can’t Solve Everything

Unfortunately, grassroots efforts have their limitations. A beach clean-up may remove hundreds of pounds of trash, but it doesn’t address the larger systemic issues, such as the corporations that continue to produce plastic waste or the lack of global agreements to curb ocean pollution. While individual actions are valuable and impactful, they often lack the power to regulate large industries or enforce compliance with environmental laws.

Fragmented Advocacy

Another challenge is the fragmentation of bottom-up efforts. With so many different organizations working on separate ocean issues—plastic pollution, overfishing, coral reef degradation—efforts can feel disjointed.

The lack of unified action means that while some issues may gain traction, others are left behind. This fragmentation can also make it difficult to build the large-scale political pressure needed to influence top-down regulations.

Why We Need Both

The truth is, we need BOTH top-down regulations and bottom-up grassroots movements to truly protect the ocean. These two approaches complement each other. While government policies have the power to create systemic, enforceable change, grassroots movements help build public pressure and awareness necessary to push those policies forward.

For example, grassroots campaigns like #BreakFreeFromPlastic and #trashtag have raised awareness about plastic pollution, pushing governments and corporations to implement changes. In 2019, this global movement helped inspire the European Union to adopt a ban on certain single-use plastics. This is a perfect example of how bottom-up movements can influence top-down regulation.

So … What Can You Do?

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed or powerless when confronted with the slow pace of policy changes. BUT REMEMBER … your individual actions and advocacy DO matter!

By following these actionable steps, you can make an impact, whether through grassroots advocacy, staying informed, or supporting NGOs:

1. Support Grassroots Movements

2. Advocate for Stronger Regulations

3. Stay Informed and Spread the Word

4. Support Ocean-Focused NGOs

1. Support Grassroots Movements

Supporting grassroots movements is one of the most direct ways you can get involved. Here's how you can take concrete action:

• Join Local Environmental Groups: Many communities have local ocean or beach conservation groups that focus on hands-on activities like beach cleanups, habitat restoration, or educational outreach. Start by researching local groups or events in your area. Platforms like Facebook Groups or Meetup can help you find like-minded ocean advocates.

• Pro tip: If there aren’t any ocean-related movements near you, consider starting your own beach clean-up or conservation group. Often, your enthusiasm can rally others to join in!

• Participate in Global Campaigns: Many international campaigns rely on everyday individuals to spread the word and raise awareness. For example, movements like #BreakFreeFromPlastic encourage people to reduce their plastic consumption and pressure governments to regulate plastic use. Joining these campaigns can mean signing petitions, attending rallies, or participating in social media actions.

• How to Get Started: Search for movements like #BreakFreeFromPlastic, Plastic Pollution Coalition, or The Ocean Cleanup. Many of these organizations offer specific actions you can take, such as participating in international cleanup days or contacting corporations to change their plastic practices.

• Advocate for Sustainable Seafood: You can join organizations that promote sustainable fishing practices by supporting businesses that prioritize ethical seafood sourcing. Apps like Seafood Watch help you choose ocean-friendly seafood. Additionally, participating in campaigns that advocate for better fishing regulations can help protect marine ecosystems.

• Step-by-Step: Download the Seafood Watch app to start making informed choices. You can also sign petitions and support laws that aim to reduce overfishing and bycatch.

• Volunteer for Ocean-Focused Organizations: Many grassroots organizations need volunteers to carry out their work. Whether it’s helping with administrative tasks, joining events, or being a spokesperson in your community, your time can make a difference. Check out groups like Surfrider Foundation or Ocean Conservancy to find volunteer opportunities.

• Quick Tip: Reach out directly to these organizations through their websites, where they often list volunteer needs.

2. Advocate for Stronger Regulations

While grassroots movements create change from the bottom up, advocating for top-down regulations is equally important. This can feel intimidating, but it’s easier than you might think to get started:

• Know the Issues: Before reaching out to your representatives, educate yourself on the key policies affecting ocean conservation. Look for major issues like the expansion of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), plastic regulation laws, or measures to reduce overfishing.

  • How to Get Started: Organizations like NOAA, Oceana, and Greenpeace often have resources to explain these in simple terms.

• Contact Your Representatives: Once you understand the issues, reach out to your local, state, and federal representatives. Many environmental organizations provide pre-written templates for letters and emails. Alternatively, you can write a personal message explaining why ocean protection matters to you. A simple phone call or email can make a big difference.

• Step-by-Step:

1. Identify who your local representatives are by visiting Common Cause or similar websites.

2. Use a letter or email template from organizations like Oceana, Surfrider Foundation, or Greenpeace to advocate for specific issues.

3. Keep your message brief and focus on only 1-2 key topics.

4. Follow up—if you don’t get a response, send a polite reminder that you’re waiting to hear from them.

• Attend Town Halls or Public Hearings: When issues related to environmental regulations are discussed in your area, attending these meetings allows you to speak out in support of stronger ocean protections. Your local government might be reviewing plans related to coastal development, MPA designations, or pollution management—these meetings are your chance to advocate in person.

• Join a Policy Campaign: Organizations like Oceana and The Pew Charitable Trusts often launch targeted campaigns aimed at specific pieces of legislation. Joining these campaigns helps amplify your voice, as they guide you through the process of contacting the right lawmakers and explaining why certain bills matter.

3. Stay Informed and Spread the Word

Knowledge is power, and sharing what you learn about ocean conservation can inspire others to take action. Here are concrete ways to stay informed and spread the word:

• Follow Reputable Sources: Stay updated by following trusted organizations like NOAA, Oceana, Surfrider Foundation, and the UN Environment Programme on social media or by subscribing to their newsletters. This will help you stay current on the latest developments in ocean conservation.

• Pro Tip: Set aside 10-15 minutes a week to read new articles or reports. Staying informed can also help you spot opportunities for action, like petitions or local events.

• Share on Social Media: Use your social media platforms to spread the word about important issues (fact-checked, of course). This could be as simple as sharing articles or petitions, or it could mean creating your own posts to explain a particular issue and why it matters.

• Action Plan: Share a mix of personal stories (like your own beach clean-up efforts), educational posts about ocean-related issues, and calls to action. Tools like Canva allow you to create engaging infographics that highlight key facts.

• Start Conversations in Your Community: Whether it’s chatting with friends, family, or coworkers, start conversations about ocean conservation issues. The more people you reach, the more awareness you build.

• Quick Tip: Use relatable topics, like discussing seafood choices or plastic pollution, as a conversation starter to help others see how ocean issues relate to their lives.

• Join Online Ocean Advocacy Groups: Engage in forums or online communities where people share ocean conservation ideas and actions. Platforms like Reddit’s r/oceans or Facebook groups focused on environmental activism are good places to exchange information and ideas.

4. Support Ocean-Focused NGOs

Supporting ocean-focused NGOs allows you to contribute to larger-scale initiatives that can drive real change, even if you aren’t directly involved in advocacy or policy-making. Here’s how to effectively support these organizations:

• Donate to Ocean Conservation Organizations: Financial donations allow these organizations to continue their important work. Even small contributions can go a long way when pooled with donations from others.

  • How to Get Started: Research reputable NGOs through sites like Charity Navigator to ensure your donations are going to well-managed organizations. Some popular ocean-focused NGOs include Oceana, Surfrider Foundation, The Ocean Conservancy, and Sea Shepherd.

• Become a Monthly Contributor: Many organizations offer monthly giving programs where small, recurring donations provide them with a reliable stream of funding. This type of consistent support allows NGOs to plan more ambitious projects.

  • Pro Tip: Some organizations offer perks like newsletters, eco-friendly merchandise, or member-only events to recurring donors. This is a great way to stay connected with their efforts.

• Volunteer Your Skills: If you have skills like photography, writing, graphic design, or event planning, offer them to NGOs as a volunteer. Many organizations need help beyond just advocacy and would appreciate expertise in different areas.

• Action Step: Reach out to organizations you admire and offer your services. You can also check their websites for formal volunteer opportunities.

• Promote Their Work: Use your voice to share their campaigns and successes. Highlighting these organizations on your social media or in conversations raises their profile and encourages others to support them.

• How to Get Started: Follow ocean-focused NGOs on your social media channels, and when they post about campaigns or victories, share those with your audience. Engage with their content by liking and commenting to boost visibility.

A Hopeful Future for Our Oceans

While the frustration around environmental protection policies is real and valid, it’s important to remember that progress IS happening—albeit slowly. Top-down political regulations and bottom-up grassroots movements must work together to create the lasting change our oceans need.

Every small action counts, and every voice can make a difference. If you’re feeling uncertain about your role in protecting the ocean, start by taking our fun quiz: "What Type of Ocean Advocate Are You?" Discover how your unique strengths can help protect the ocean and how you can contribute to a more sustainable future.

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