If you are unfamiliar with UN Sustainable Development Goal 14, its goal is to 'conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for development' – and scientists have put together a 30-year plan to achieve this goal.
Despite climate change, plastic pollution, growing dead zones, and other environmental issues for which humankind is responsible, scientists believe that our underwater ecosystems can be restored and prosper again.
We have a lot of work ahead of us, but the new plan points to the resilience of many marine species as a glimmer of hope for the future. The team suggests that if we can enable these species to recover, marine life could be replenished in one generation.
“We are in a situation where we can choose between the legacy of a vibrant ocean or the irreversible death of the ocean,” says scientist Carlos Duarte of the University of Science and Technology. King Abdullah (KAUST) in Saudi Arabia.
Our study documents the recovery of marine populations, habitats and ecosystems following conservation efforts. It provides concrete, evidence-based recommendations for scaling proven solutions globally. '
Durat and colleagues looked at a wide range of studies, reports and statistics to assess the health of the oceans and found that over the past four decades, half of the marine life population has been affected by declines.
They mention nine key components that form the backbone of the recovery plan: salt marshes, mangroves, seagrass, coral reefs, algae, oyster reefs, fisheries, megafauna, and deep sea. Researchers say they need to focus on them, and marine life should rebuild behind them.
If we get this right, everyone wins – for example, salt marshes and algae can block carbon emissions, while mangroves have proven to be effective barriers against flooding and waves.
The team pointed to previously successful conservation efforts for species ranging from elephant seals to green turtles as proof that all is not lost when it comes to conserving underwater ecosystems.
“Although humanity has greatly distorted our oceans, recent interventions have led to a number of remarkable success stories,” says biologist Katherine Lovelock of the University of Queensland in Australia.
“The world came together before imposing moratoriums on whaling, creating the Law of the Sea, preventing pollution from ships and limiting industrial fishing — all with positive results. For our oceans, let's move on. '
“Restoring marine life is a feasible daunting task for humanity, an ethical commitment and a sound economic goal for a sustainable future,” says scientist Susana Agusti.
The study was published in the journal Nature.
