The ocean is a significant source of livelihood, food and medicine for billions of people around the world — oceans are the real lungs of our world.
But the cumulative impact of human mistreatment is taking a toll on our marine ecosystem's structure, function and survival.
Annual World Oceans Day on June 8 focuses on conservation for future generations who will no doubt feel the effects of our actions today.
From pollutants entering the ocean, to overfishing and climate change, what we decide to do now can protect valuable ocean resources.
Last month's Our Oceans Conference in the Pacific Island nation of Palau established six ways we can begin to do this: by advancing marine protected areas, tackling marine pollution from its source, creating sustainable blue economies, advancing small-scale fisheries, tackling climate change through resilience and action, and better ocean surveillance to combat illegal fishing.
Conference moderator Robert Richmond, research professor at the University of Hawaii, said: "We have a wicked problems in the ocean, but all of them are addressable."
"We have a window but that window is closing fairly quickly."
REALITY CHECK
The ocean produces at least half the world's oxygen and is the main source of protein for more than a billion people around the world, according to the United Nations.
We are taking more from the ocean than can be replenished — 90 percent of big fish populations have been used up, and 50 percent of coral reefs are destroyed.
Fish by-products — made from heads, bones and off-cuts — which would have otherwise been wasted, can be a sustainable food resource.
Up to 14.0 million metric tonness of unreported fish catches are potentially traded illicitly each year worth up to US$17.2 billion.
BIG IDEAS
This quote is attributable to Dr Ray Hilborn, University of Washington:
"Individual [fish] stocks in all countries are decreasing. The solution to stopping declines is to reduce fishing pressure, although recognising that some stocks decline due to changes in environmental conditions and management changes cannot prevent that."
This quote is atrributable to Rick Stafford, Bournemouth University:
"For many people, ‘sustainable’ is synonymous with ‘good’, so it might come as a surprise to discover ‘sustainable fishing’ can remove up to 80 percent of a fished species’ natural population.
"Research shows restricting offshore fishing would do far more to protect marine ecosystems and coastal livelihoods than the most ‘sustainable’ fishing practices."
PERSPECTIVES
The misnomer of sustainable fishing Rick Stafford, Bournemouth University Restricting subsidised high-seas fishing and supporting the local catch benefits fish, fishers and coastal communities.
Scientists want to turn fish fins into sashimi Yusuke Tsuruwaka, Keio University and Eriko Shimada, National Institute of Technology, Tsuruoka College Growing fish meat from discarded fins could be the next sustainable food solution.
Local wisdom guards fisheries in Indonesia’s Maluku Islands Yanti Lewerissa, Pattimura University Indonesia is rich in marine resources, but aggressive overfishing could unravel it all. Could the solution lie in the ancient tradition of Sasi Laut?
Leaving a lasting ocean legacy Robert Richmond, University of Hawaii Island communities have developed some of the most effective practices to support the sustainable use of coastal and ocean resources, we just need to take heed
Vietnam’s illegal fishing could earn it an EU ban To Van Phuong, Nha Trang University Once among the world’s worst nations for illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing, Vietnam is battling to redeem itself after a yellow card warning. Mapping the fish highways we should be protecting Veronica Relano, University of British Columbia Large Pacific fish return to their own hatching sites when they produce offspring. A new map of their migration routes could mean better protection for them.
Africa offers answers for small-scale fisheries Antaya March and Pierre Failler, University of Portsmouth Artisanal fisheries are the lifeblood of coastal African communities, but they have largely been neglected. Small changes can make sure they don’t disappear.
Overfishing fix needs more than money Brock Bergseth, James Cook University A dwindling supply of the world’s fish is an all-encompassing problem, and finding a solution will require a holistic look.
Interactive: Global fishing hotspots James Goldie, 360info We map out available information on the quantity of fish caught globally, how much might be illegal and how much is discarded.
Bait to plate: making fishing supply chains more transparent John Virdin, Duke University Lessons from the ethical clothing movement, forest stewardship and other transparency initiatives could help end illegal fishing.
Dulling the ocean racket to save fish stocks Yik Yaw Neo and Hans Slabbekoorn, Leiden University Shipping and sonar bombard the ocean with noise and disrupt fish communication and behaviour. Countries need to work together to restore the quiet of the deep.
Citizen action to stem microplastic pollution Liz Marchio, Southeastern Louisiana University For producers of microplastic ‘nurdle’ pellets, the price of packaging is often more than the cost of letting it spill into the ocean.
