IN PICS | Activists Flag 'Ocean Emergency' During Protests As UN Ocean Conference Begins

Blindfolded Ocean Rebellion activists with fishes in their mouth hold briefcases reading 'War on Fish', 'Ecocide' and 'End Overfishing' during a protest in front of Altice Arena during the UN Ocean Conference in Lisbon. Thousands of activists, scientists and leaders from over 120 countries gathered at the five-day UN Ocean Conference in Portugal's capital. (Source: AFP)

The United Nations Ocean Conference is being co-hosted by the governments of Kenya and Portugal. The conference will focus on restoring the health of the oceans, which cover 70 per cent of the Earth's surface. (Source: AFP)

An Ocean Rebellion activist holds a banner reading 'Save our sharks!' during a protest in front of Altice Arena during the UN Ocean Conference, in Lisbon. The conference will adopt a declaration that could help implement and facilitate the protection and conservation of oceans and their resources. (Source: AFP)

Ocean Rebellion activists dressed as mermaids take part in a performance during a protest in Terreiro do Paco in Lisbon. (Source: AFP)

Ocean Rebellion activists hold banners reading 'As the sea dies we die' and 'No more fish in the sea' during their protest. The ocean produces at least 50 per cent of the planet's oxygen, it is home to most of earth's biodiversity, and is the main source of protein for more than a billion people. (Source: AFP)

Ocean Rebellion activists with facemasks depicting UN Secretary-General Special Envoy for the Ocean hold signs reading 'Save the Sharks, save the Ocean' during a protest. The UN has said that oceans on the planet are facing unprecedented threats as a result of human activities. (Source: AFP)