The ocean is a vital source of livelihood, employment, nutrition and economic growth in Asia-Pacific. Healthy ocean and marine ecosystems contribute to the inclusive development and poverty reduction, regulate the climate and are essential for a more sustainable future. In 2014, the region was home to 84% of the global population engaged in fisheries and aquaculture. However, rampant marine pollution, ocean acidification and warming, depletion of fish stocks and species, destructive fishing practices, unstainable trade and transport, and inadequate marine governance have drastically deteriorated the health of the oceans and coastal ecosystems. The sustainable management of ocean resources requires regional collaboration across nation states and public-private sectors on an unprecedented scale.