Can we save the oceans?
Rebuilding marine life represents a doable Grand Challenge for humanity, an ethical obligation and a smart economic objective to achieve a sustainable future.
The ability of the ocean to support human wellbeing is at a crossroads. The ocean currently contributes 2.5% of global gross domestic product (GDP) and provides employment to 1.5% of the global workforce1, with an estimated output of US$1.5trillion in 2010, which is expected to double by 20301. Furthermore, there is increased attention on the ocean as a source of food and water2, clean energy1 and as a means to mitigate climate change3,4. However, many marine species, habitats and ecosystems have suffered catastrophic declines5–8, and climate change is further undermining ocean productivity and biodiversity9–14 (Fig.1).
The conflict between the growing dependence of humans on ocean resources and the decline in marine life under human pressures (Fig.1) is focusing the attention on the connection between ocean conservation and human wellbeing15. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14 (UN SDG14 or ‘life below water’) aims to “conserve and sustain-ably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable develop-ment” (https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/sdg14).
Achieving this goal will require rebuilding marine life, defined in the context of SDG14 as the life-support systems (populations, habitats and ecosystems) that deliver the many benefits that society receives from a healthy ocean16,17. Here we show that, in addition to being a necessary goal, substantially rebuilding marine life within a human generation is largely achievable, if the required actions—including, notably, the mitigation of climate change—are deployed at scale.
Add new comment