Scientists from every single inhabited continent agree ocean biodiversity is under threat but there is still reason for optimism if we act now to save it for the future, according to a new survey carried out by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) ahead of World Oceans Day (June 8) and the United Nations Ocean Conference (9 – 13 June).
Findings analysed by global insights and advisory consultancy GlobeScan showed over two-thirds of the almost 60 leading ocean experts consulted thought climate change was the greatest threat to ocean health and biodiversity, but overfishing and changes to habitats also 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 the United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice, France, the Marine Stewardship Council is emphasising 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 Marine Stewardship Council 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 minimise 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 operates best when we synergise the positive actions of governments, industries, local communities, and international organisations.
“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 porpoise 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
“There is growing awareness that humanity depends on a healthy ocean for its survival. There are a number of successes, and we know what we need to do for effective management of fisheries. Given space and time, the ocean will recover.” Dr Charlotte Hopkins, University of Hull, UK
“The ocean is remarkably resilient - if we just give it a chance. But this will need a change in what most people value. So, to save the ocean (and ourselves) we need to change society and that will take everyone to work together” Dr Judy Mann-Lang, The Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation, South Africa
“This is ultimately a problem for people - an unhealthy ocean will make life more difficult for us. Fishing is the most straightforward activity for us to manage, but it’s an ongoing challenge as other external factors are impacting fish populations.”
Dr Alexander Fordyce, Lead Scientist at Nature-based Insights, University of Oxford
“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
“We live in very uncertain times, but despite this, up to now some ocean cases have been more resilient than we expected, and we can be optimistic for some regions, but this cannot be said for the whole system"” José Alberto Zepeda Domínguez, Research Professor, Universidad Autónoma Baja California, Marine Social-Ecological Systems
“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