In recognition of World Oceans Day, a global moment to shine a light on the importance of our oceans and protecting them, Merlin today publishes the SEA LIFE ‘Making Waves for our Oceans’ Conservation and Wildlife Rehabilitation Report, sharing the collective efforts of its teams and partners to safeguard marine life throughout 2025
As the report sets out, the world’s oceans produce more than half the oxygen we breathe, regulate the global climate, and support life on Earth – yet they are under increasing threat from climate change, pollution, overfishing and habitat destruction. While the scale of the challenge is significant and the need is urgent, the report highlights reasons for optimism, with conservation projects helping to restore ecosystems, protect species and support the recovery of marine populations.
In 2025, teams across 50 SEA LIFE aquariums helped deliver 104 conservation projects globally, rescuing 683 animals and dedicating more than 34,000 hours to conservation and wildlife rehabilitation. Working alongside 286 partners – including SEA LIFE’s charity partner, the SEA LIFE TRUST – this work spans four continents, demonstrating the power of collaboration in addressing global environmental challenges. The SEA LIFE TRUST plays an important role in this mission, supporting global conservation projects and campaigns, as well as operating dedicated marine wildlife sanctuaries to protect vulnerable species and give rescued animals a second chance.
At the heart of SEA LIFE’s impact are three conservation pillars – Rescue, Restore and Protect – brought to life in the report with examples of projects delivered across its global network:
Rescue: SEA LIFE teams provide frontline support for animals in distress, often impacted by human activity. In 2025, this included – in locations such as Sunshine Coast (Australia) – rescuing 94 marine turtles affected by pollution, entanglement and climate change, alongside responses such as a sperm whale rescue in Busan (South Korea) and seal rehabilitation efforts in Blankenberge (Belgium) and
Scarborough (UK). Through expert care, many animals are returned to the wild, while others are given sanctuary where release is not possible.
Restore: Rebuilding habitats is critical to ocean health, with projects spanning seagrass restoration in Weymouth (UK), habitat clean-ups in Nagoya (Japan), and coral reef restoration in the United States and Germany. These programmes help rebuild biodiversity and strengthen ecosystems, while rewilding efforts saw nine threatened species – including zebra sharks and seahorses in Sydney (Australia) – bred and released to support population recovery.
Protect: SEA LIFE drives long-term change through research, education and advocacy. In 2025, teams worked to protect 37 threatened species, contributing to scientific research, policy development and public awareness. Alongside SEA LIFE, the SEA LIFE TRUST leads campaigns to tackle issues such as plastic pollution, unsustainable fishing and the over-exploitation of marine life.
Chris Brown, Merlin’s Director of Conservation, Welfare and Education, said: “Every day, our teams see first-hand the pressures facing our oceans – from pollution and climate change to habitat loss – and the impact this has on marine life. But we also see the difference that dedicated, long-term conservation can make. Whether restoring seagrass meadows, supporting coral reef recovery or rehabilitating vulnerable animals, our work is helping ecosystems begin to recover and thrive.”
He added: “What makes this progress possible is the passion and dedication of our expert teams around the world. Each aquarium has its own connection to local wildlife, and together they are championing meaningful action to Rescue, Restore and Protect – while inspiring millions of people to play their part in protecting our oceans.”
Across its global network, SEA LIFE combines world-class animal welfare, scientific research and immersive storytelling to inspire millions of visitors to connect with and care for the ocean. In 2025, teams also removed over nine tonnes of litter from waterways – tackling one of the most visible threats to marine environments.
Rob Smith, Chief Operating Officer at Merlin, said: “SEA LIFE is something we are incredibly proud of at Merlin. As the largest brand in our global portfolio, it has grown into an impactful force for conservation – bringing together world-class animal care, scientific expertise and powerful storytelling to connect people with the ocean.”
He added: “This report reflects the dedication, passion and expertise of our teams and partners around the world, whose work is making a real difference every day. While we are encouraged by the progress we are seeing, we also recognise the scale of the challenge ahead. We remain committed to building on these foundations – strengthening partnerships, investing in innovation, and continuing to inspire peopleeverywhere to help protect our oceans for the future.”
While the achievements of 2025 demonstrate meaningful progress, the report makes clear that there is more to be done. Continued collaboration, sustained investment in conservation, and everyday action will all be essential to protect the future of our oceans. Through the collective efforts of SEA LIFE, the SEA LIFE TRUST and their global partners, work will continue to help ensure that the world’s oceans – and the life they support – can thrive for generations to come.
The Conservation and Wildlife Rehabilitation Report can be found online at: https://www.visitsealife.com/conservation/
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