Optimism for reversal of negative impacts if action is taken now

Washington, D.C., June 5, 2025 – The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) today released an unprecedented poll of nearly 60 leading ocean experts who agree ocean biodiversity is at a cross-roads – under threat, but at an inflection point where there is still opportunity for change. The survey, carried out by the MSC, gathered insights from top scientists on every inhabited continent around the globe, and is being released just ahead of  World Oceans Day (June 8) and the United Nations Ocean Conference (9 – 13 June).

Analyzed by global insights and advisory consultancy, GlobeScan, the survey shows more than two-thirds of the world’s top ocean experts feel climate change is the greatest threat to ocean health and biodiversity, but overfishing and changes to habits ranked highly in terms of the impact they are having.

Despite worries about threats facing the ocean, almost half (45%) were optimistic, pointing to advances in science and policy as reasons to be hopeful for positive progress in protecting the oceans – a sentiment shared in the recently released documentary ‘Ocean’ with David Attenborough.

Scientists based in countries from the Solomon Islands to Costa Rica and Finland to Japan said international policies, treaties, and governance frameworks needed to go faster and further in their efforts to maintain a healthy ocean for future generations and highlighted regional approaches to sustainable fisheries management that were already having a positive impact in turning the tide.

Following the survey and ahead of World Oceans Day, the MSC is emphasizing support for states to sign up to the Agreement on Marine Biodiversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (also known as the BBNJ or High Seas Treaty). At least 60 states must sign the treaty, which aims to conserve and sustainably use marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction, before it enters into force.

Dr Beth Polidoro, Research Director at the Marine Stewardship Council said: “There is a consensus from scientists across the world that our oceans are under threat from human impact whether that is through overfishing or the ongoing threat of climate change. What is positive, is that we are still in a place to change the trajectory, halt these negative impacts and ensure healthy oceans full of life for future generations. Fisheries already demonstrating this commitment must be supported, and governments need to provide an enabling environment so that positive progress can be accelerated globally.”

The MSC has also released Preserving ocean life: How sustainable fishing supports biodiversity, a report showcasing a selection of positive case studies where fishers are using technology, tools and different techniques to minimize their impact on ocean biodiversity and protect marine life for future generations.

Peter Thomson, the United Nations Secretary-General's Special Envoy for the Ocean, author of the foreword of the report, said: “We know that sustainable fisheries operate best when we synergize the positive actions of governments, industries, local communities, and international organizations. These inspiring stories show that biodiversity protection and sustainable seafood production are two sides of the same coin.”

Featuring fisheries across the globe, the report spotlights positive innovative changes they have made to protect endangered and threatened species, including pelicans in the Gulf of California, turtles in the Indian Ocean, sharks in the Eastern Pacific and porpoises in the Celtic Sea.

Responses to the survey:

“With good science and governance, the decline in ocean health and biodiversity can be halted and, in time, reversed.” Dr Francis C. Neat, Professor of Sustainable Fisheries and Ocean Biodiversity, World Maritime University, Malmö, Sweden

“I teach ocean conservation policy, and I've met some very bright young people who are motivated to help. That more than anything gives me hope. But the challenges we face are very serious.” David Shiffman, Marine Conservation Biologist at Arizona State University

“Despite the current challenges facing ocean health, I am optimistic because of the increasing global awareness and action toward marine conservation. Advances in marine science, stricter regulations on plastic pollution, and climate change mitigation efforts give hope that the oceans can recover if these actions are scaled up and sustained.” Dr Transform Aqorau, Vice Chancellor, Solomon Islands National University

“In parts of our region, a lack of proper fishery regulations and enforcement have resulted in overfishing of many stocks and, importantly, the destruction of habitats.  However, I believe that nature always bounces back. There is inherent resilience in ocean ecosystems, and with good management and care, they can bounce back." Dr Sunil Mohamed, Chair of Sustainable Seafood Network of India and Retired Principal Scientist, Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, India