The Marine OECM Guide
A practical, inclusive tool for recognizing effective ocean conservation
As the global community races to protect 30% of the ocean by 2030, we need to know not just how much is conserved but how well, and for whom. While marine protected areas (MPAs) are well established, many other areas, known as other effective area-based conservation measures (OECMs), also contribute meaningfully to biodiversity conservation, even if conservation isn’t their main purpose.
The Marine OECM Guide, which was developed by the Oregon State University (OSU) researchers in collaboration with the International Indigenous Forum on Biodiversity (IIFB), fills this critical gap. It offers a clear, evidence-based approach to assess whether a marine area is likely to conserve biodiversity, without requiring in-depth data or complex reporting systems.
This resource explains how the guide works, who it’s for, and how it supports fair, effective, and inclusive ocean conservation.
Latest news on the mOECM Guide
Indigenous Voices at the Heart of Ocean Action: IIFB Joins Our Ocean 2025
The IIFB participates in a three-day meeting on marine Other Effective area-based Conservation Measures (OECMs)
Events on the mOECM Guide
