Addressing the Underappreciation and Exploitation of Marine Ecosystems
The ocean is essential for sustaining life on Earth, yet it remains one of the most undervalued, under-researched, and recklessly exploited natural wonders. While it produces more than half of the oxygen we breathe, regulates our climate, provides food for billions, and supports approximately 350 million jobs worldwide, human actions have significantly contributed to its decline.
Currently, nearly one-third of global fish stocks are overfished, and up to 200 million tonnes of plastic waste pollute marine environments. Over the past 30 years, at least half of all coral reefs have been devastated, with climate change placing immense pressure on ecosystems. This threatens the lives and livelihoods of communities that depend on the ocean for their survival.
In the Commonwealth, the urgency of this issue is particularly palpable. Out of 54 member countries, 47 have coastlines, including 25 small island developing states, also known as “Large Ocean States,” where an average of 96% of their territory is ocean, leaving only 4% as land. It is these Commonwealth citizens who inhabit ocean-reliant economies and face the most immediate challenges stemming from ocean degradation.
The international community recognizes the necessity for increased action to address these crises, which have become even more daunting due to the devastating impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, securing support and funding for ocean conservation remains a challenge. Among the 17 globally agreed Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the commitment to ocean conservation (SDG 14) is one of the least funded. Research indicates that less than 1% of global development assistance and philanthropy from 2013 to 2018 focused on fostering sustainable ocean economies.