Washington, DC, Sept. 20, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Oceana, the world’s largest international organization dedicated solely to ocean conservation, announced today that it had received a new grant from UK-based Arcadia, a charitable fund of Lisbet Rausing and Peter Baldwin.

The new $10.5 million grant will support Oceana’s campaigns to protect and restore marine life and ecosystems in biodiverse areas, preserve key habitat, stop overfishing and protect vulnerable marine life. The grant will be distributed over seven years.

“We are grateful to Arcadia for their commitment to Oceana,” said Andy Sharpless, Oceana CEO. “Arcadia has been one of Oceana’s most dedicated supporters, and they have empowered us to win policy victories that have protected more than 4.5 million square miles of ocean habitat. The extended duration of this new grant shows that Arcadia expects Oceana to continue winning these sorts of victories for years to come. We look forward to working with them to restore healthy oceans and protect biodiversity around the world.”

“Oceana has established a consistent track record as an effective campaigner for the oceans. We are pleased to be able to continue supporting their work and hope Oceana will continue to expand their area of influence,” said Arcadia Fund’s Lisbet Rausing.

With Arcadia’s generous support, Oceana will continue campaigning for science-based policies that safeguard critical marine habitat; protect sharks, sea turtles, marine mammals and other ocean species; establish science-based, sustainable management of fisheries while deterring illegal fishing; and reduce ocean pollution.

Since 2001, Oceana has won over 200 victories that have helped protect and restore healthy oceans in the United States, the European Union, the Philippines, Chile, Mexico, Peru, Brazil, Canada and Belize. Arcadia has supported Oceana since its first grant of $5.25 million in 2007, with renewals in 2010 and 2013.

Founded by Lisbet Rausing and Peter Baldwin, the Arcadia Fund supports charities and scholarly institutions to preserve cultural heritage, protect the environment, and promote open access. Since 2002, the Arcadia Fund has awarded more than $500 million in grants to projects around the world. For more information please see www.arcadiafund.org.uk.