The ocean has long been thought to have a limitless ability to absorb human impacts. However, increased pressures on the marine environment have resulted in the overall health of the Earth’s oceans receiving a barely passing grade of 67 out of 100.
Ocean Health Index
According to the third global update of the Ocean Health Index, the north western Pacific Ocean is the least healthy of the world’s oceans and the western Indian Ocean and eastern central Atlantic are the healthiest. The Antarctic and the Southern Ocean region scored 72, while the average score of the high seas was 67 (68 in 2014) out of 100. The next global assessment is planned for September 2015.
Importance of oceans
Not only is the ocean important for our survival and as a means of transportation. but it is also an important source of protein. Fish forms an important part of the diets of people around the world, particularly those who live near rivers, coasts and other water bodies. The popularity of coastal areas is increasing and their importance in trade, coupled with the cultural importance of fishing as a lifestyle, will continue.
Ocean threats
At present, pollution, habitat alteration and overfishing are considered the primary threats to the ocean’s health. Pollutants include chemicals, sewage, floating debris (such as plastic and trash) and nutrient elements (nitrogen and phosphorus) that are largely released to coastal areas either directly, via rivers, or via the atmosphere.
World Fisheries Day
World Fisheries Day is celebrated every year on 21 November. Fishing communities world-wide celebrate this day through rallies, workshops, public meetings, cultural programmes, dramas, exhibition, music shows, etc. to highlight the importance of keeping the world’s oceans healthy.
A recent United Nations study reported that more than two-thirds of the world’s fisheries have been overfished or are fully harvested. More than one third are in a state of decline because of factors such as the loss of essential fish habitats and severe ocean and coastal pollution from run-off and domestic and industrial activities.
The World Fisheries Day helps in highlighting the critical importance of water and the lives it sustains, both in and out of water.
Strategies for the future
Human population and development in coastal areas will continue to expand and releases of chemical contaminants and nutrients must continue to be regulated in developed countries. Developing nations must be encouraged to improve their economies and infrastructure while preserving their natural environments.
Marine scientists of organisations such as the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) are working to conserve coral reefs, tropical fish and ocean giants (such as humpback whales, sea turtles, elephant seals and sharks) in all four oceans and throughout the waters of 18 countries. WCS links marine and land management initiatives in comprehensive conservation strategies, helping to save the world’s seas for the sake of both marine life and people.
Sources
Cohen, J. 2014. World’s oceans get a lousy grade for health. Retrieved from: http://www.futurity.org/oceans-health-score-775212/
http://www.waterencyclopedia.com/
http://www.conservationhalton.ca/
Revised by M van Os