Marine climate interventions (i.e., conservation, restoration, geoengineering, or bioengineering) can cause intended and unintended impacts for society. Socially responsible governance of marine climate interventions could not only prolong the sustainability of marine systems, but also improve social conditions, including protecting and advancing the rights and wellbeing of ocean dependent communities and societies. Yet, as marine climate interventions intensify and proliferate little is known about how societal impacts and engagement are planned and accounted for. We surveyed 243 scientists and practitioners and interviewed seven field leaders about societal considerations when proposing, testing and/or implementing new marine climate interventions globally. We analysed these data according to four established attributes of socially responsible innovation (anticipation, inclusion, reflexivity, and responsiveness). Of the 76 marine interventions identified, we found limited attention to societal benefits and risks. Instead, feasibility assessments predominately relied on biophysical data (63.3%), with economics data serving as the only social data source in 48.7% of cases. Public engagement tended to emphasise ‘social buy-in’, with only 14.5% of engagement processes actively seeking public input. As marine climate interventions are developed and upscaled, a more deliberate focus on societal impacts and engagement is crucial. We identify opportunities to prompt socially responsible and equitable governance.