Ocean-based climate action is now firmly embedded in national climate planning, with 90 percent of updated coastal and island NDCs including at least one ocean-related commitment. Yet many countries continue to face barriers to implementation, particularly where ocean sector governance, regulation, institutional capacity, technology and data systems, and financing arrangements remain underdeveloped.

Drawing on 358 ocean-related implementation support requests submitted by 59 countries through the NDC Partnership between 2017 and 2026, this Expert Note examines the enabling conditions countries most frequently request to advance ocean-climate priorities, how those needs vary across regions, sectors, and income groups, and what they reveal about implementation readiness. The analysis shows that implementation readiness depends on strong governance, institutional coordination, monitoring and data systems, and technical capacity to develop investable and deliverable climate action. It finds that the greatest constraint to mobilizing finance is often not a lack of capital, but the absence of these enabling conditions that allow investment to flow.

The authors conclude with recommendations for governments, development partners, and international initiatives that strengthen implementation pathways for ocean-based climate action. Ahead of COP31, it is clear that closing the gap between climate ambition and delivery will depend on investing in the enabling conditions that enable countries to implement, monitor, and scale their ocean commitments over time.