Report: Fossil fuel Expansion Threatens Marine Biodiversity Hotspots

⁤ Updated June 9, 2025

A new report, “ocean Frontiers at Risk,” warns that unchecked expansion of⁣ offshore oil and gas projects is endangering some of the planet’s most vital marine ⁢ecosystems. The‍ study, a collaboration between Earth Insight and 16 environmental groups, reveals that 2.7 million square kilometers of ocean territory—an area nearly the ⁤size of India—has been opened for oil and⁣ gas exploration. Much of this ⁣activity occurs‍ within or near protected areas and⁢ biodiversity ‍hotspots, raising concerns about marine biodiversity and climate stability.

The report, released ahead of the UN Ocean conference in Nice,⁢ France, is based on spatial analysis of 11 case study regions, utilizing data from government ministries, investor briefings, and self-reliant mapping efforts. Tyson Miller, Executive Director ⁣of Earth Insight, said the ‍scale of planned oil and gas expansion in sensitive ecosystems was “shocking.”

The study highlights the⁤ ecological risks as oil and gas activities encroach on⁣ coral⁤ reefs, mangroves, seagrass meadows, and ‍Crucial Marine Mammal Areas. These areas often overlap wiht ⁢Marine Protected Areas and Key biodiversity Areas, which are meant to be safeguarded under international initiatives like the 30×30 goal.

Miller emphasized the need to protect existing marine protected areas from industrial progress. he noted that in the Gulf⁢ of California, LNG projects threaten a marine ecosystem that supports 39% of marine mammal ⁣species and sustains‍ meaningful ⁢fisheries. Similarly, off the‍ coasts of Seychelles and Mauritius, the Saya de Malha Bank, a massive seagrass meadow, is largely overlapped by oil ⁢and gas blocks.

“Expanding marine protected areas is essential. Safeguarding protected areas from oil and gas expansion and ‍industrial development⁢ should go without saying. Yet, the extent of overlap between⁢ oil⁤ blocks and critical habitats is deeply troubling.”
Tyson Miller, Executive Director of Earth insight

The report also addresses the pressure ⁢on countries in ⁤the ⁤Global South to become new frontiers for fossil fuel extraction, even ⁢as they face increasing debt and climate vulnerability. foreign energy firms often promise investment and‍ job creation, but the long-term ecological and financial consequences can be severe.

According to Miller, ‍debt relief and payments for ecosystem services could help safeguard coastlines. Without⁢ such support, ‍officials may ⁤approve projects that lead to pollution, habitat destruction, and costly ⁤cleanup efforts. The Ocean Protection Gap Report, referenced in Earth Insight’s study, points to billions in promised financing for marine conservation that has yet to be delivered.

Despite these challenges,⁤ Indigenous and coastal communities are leading resistance movements in many threatened regions, demanding openness and ecological justice. However, these communities often face entrenched corporate and political interests.

“Frontline and⁤ Indigenous communities are doing incredible work to oppose fossil fuel expansion, often with limited resources and at great personal risk. They need more direct support and more visible platforms to champion their vision for the future.”

Tyson Miller, Executive Director of Earth Insight

What’s next

The report proposes a policy roadmap for global leaders, including halting new coastal and offshore fossil fuel developments, removing unassigned⁤ oil and gas blocks, ending financial support for offshore fossil fuel projects, and shifting capital to renewable energy. It also calls for habitat restoration and strengthened global legal frameworks to prevent new coastal and offshore oil expansion.