Science-based marine conservation reveals, conserves, and restores the hidden things of God in the ocean. We are integrating Christian faith and marine conservation for ocean transformation.
A Rocha’s marine and coastal work
A Rocha works around the world to study, protect and restore marine habitats and biodiversity, raise awareness of marine pollution, develop resources and build capacity in support of coastal areas. Both science and faith guide our work to help the ocean flourish.
We study and protect a fascinating variety of wetland and marine ecosystems: a Portuguese estuary, Ghanaian mangrove forests, Canadian salmon rivers and seagrass beds, Kenyan coral reefs, British beaches and kelp forests, and New Zealand rocky shores, to name just a few. Additionally, we have conducted beach clean-ups from the Cape Region to Florida.
Through theological reflection on marine issues, we integrate Christian faith and Community-based Conservation examining these issues in Cooperation with others and from varied Cross-cultural perspectives.
Give towards our marine conservation work with a Gift with a Difference.
Our focus areas
Biodiversity and Beauty
- A Rocha UK Partners in Action coastal projects (2 in England, 2 in Northern Ireland, 2 in Scotland, 1 in Wales and 1 on St. Helena) include sand dune management, kelp and seagrass monitoring.Â
- Our team in Kenya monitors sharks, rays, and guitarfish and coral reefs to understand their ecology and inform policy and protection along the Kenyan coast.
- In New Zealand, A Rocha re-establishing the Karioi mountain for seabirds.
- The Portugal team is working in and around the River di Alvor conducting bird, moth and water quality surveys.
- At A Rocha Canada, restoration works on salmon streams, as well as bird surveys and the removal of invasive species are underway. The team studies and protects Olympia oysters in nearshore waters.
- In the USA, the Florida team is researching mole crabs, pipefish and seahorses, and horseshoe crabs in the Indian River Lagoon, as well as working with local partners in the restoration of seagrass beds and oyster reefs.
- We are studying and protecting sponges and soft corals in India.
- Our teams in France and Ghana are collaborating to produce an inventory of bird species in mangrove forests.
Ocean of Plastic Hope
- A Rocha addresses plastic pollution worldwide, partnering with local civic groups to clean beaches, and conducts microplastic research. Read about our microplastic work in Florida and Portugal
- For more information use our Plastics toolbox including a beach cleanup guide to make an impact in your local area. This includes theological resources such as a Bible study, talks, and reflections.
Health, Wellbeing and Livelihoods
- Our teams in Kenya and Ghana work with fishermen and coastal communities, helping to explore nature-friendly marine livelihoods, trade knowledge on the marine ecosystem and work together towards a sustainable, nature-positive future.
- Wellbeing shapes many of our activities in Florida, USA, as we expose people to the beauty of the ocean through guided times of silence, scripture reading, and listening.
- We develop theological resources to connect people to God, each other, the ocean, and themselves.
Climate Change
- Through the A Rocha organization Climate Stewards, we encourage people to offset emissions and support the flourishing of the ocean.
- We monitor coral reefs for bleaching impacts in Kenya (which you can support through Gifts with A Difference).
- The Ghana Team is working to strengthen the climate resilience of coastal marine landscapes at the Muni-Pomadze Ramsar Site while also focusing on the preservation of mangrove ecosystems within the Keta Lagoon Complex Ramsar Site.
Find out more about marine conservation
- Download and use our Marine Devotional.
- Dr Robert Sluka’s Grove booklets, ‘Hope for the Ocean’ and ‘Marine Plastics’ and his book ‘Connected by Water‘ are available to buy and download.
- Read an article on how we are tackling nutrification and pollution of wetlands.Â
- Enjoy a video and storymap by the A Rocha USA interns on the amazing Atlantic Horseshoe crab.
- Explore our resources page for church leaders to use on overfishing and plastic pollution.
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We would love to keep you updated by email with new videos and inspiring stories from around the world, as well as opportunities to get involved and make a difference.
Get our email updates
We would love to keep you updated by email with new videos and inspiring stories from around the world, as well as opportunities to get involved and make a difference.
