UK scientists back global call to protect ocean ahead of UN Ocean Conference, new survey reveals

Ocean biodiversity at a tipping point, but innovation and sustainable fishing offer hope, with UN High Seas Treaty an opportunity to scale up protection.

Scientists from every inhabited continent have issued a stark warning: ocean biodiversity is at a tipping point, and urgent action is needed, according to a new survey carried out by the Marine Stewardship Council, ahead of World Oceans Day (8 June) and the United Nations Ocean Conference (9-13 June).

But there is still reason for optimism if we act now to save it for the future – a sentiment shared in the recently released documentary ‘Ocean’ with David Attenborough.

Findings analysed by global insights and advisory consultancy GlobeScan showed over two-thirds of the almost 60 leading ocean experts consulted thought climate change was the greatest threat to ocean health and biodiversity, followed by overfishing and habitat loss.

Although 21% were pessimistic about the future resilience of our ocean, and 34% unsure, nearly half (45%) remain optimistic, pointing to better science, policy, and management as the way forward.

Ahead of the United Nations Ocean Conference this month in Nice, France, the MSC is calling on states to sign up to the High Seas Treaty, also known as the Agreement on Marine Biodiversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction. The treaty will play a vital role in achieving the global target to protect 30 percent of the world’s coastal and marine areas by 2030, a key aim shared in the recently released documentary ‘Ocean’ with David Attenborough. At least 60 states must sign the treaty, which aims to conserve and sustainably use marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction, before it enters into force.

Dr Beth Polidoro, Research Director at the Marine Stewardship Council said: “There is a consensus from scientists across the world that our oceans are under threat from human impact whether that is through overfishing or the ongoing threat of climate change.

“What is positive, is that we are still in a place to change the trajectory, halt these negative impacts and ensure healthy oceans full of life for future generations.

“Fisheries already demonstrating this commitment must be supported, and governments need to provide an enabling environment so that positive progress can be accelerated globally.”

Dr Charlotte Hopkins, University of Hull, said: “There is growing awareness that humanity depends on a healthy ocean for its survival. There are a number of successes, and we know what we need to do for effective management of fisheries. Given space and time, the ocean will recover.”

Dr Alexander Fordyce, Lead Scientist at Nature-based Insights, University of Oxford, said: “This is ultimately a problem for people – an unhealthy ocean will make life more difficult for us. Fishing is the most straightforward activity for us to manage, but it’s an ongoing challenge as other external factors are impacting fish populations.”

The Marine Stewardship Council has also released Preserving ocean life: How sustainable fishing supports biodiversity, a report showcasing a selection of positive case studies where fishers are using technology, tools and different techniques to minimise their impact on ocean biodiversity and protect marine life for future generations.

Peter Thomson, the United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for the Ocean, author of the foreword of the report, said: “We know that sustainable fisheries operate best when we synergise the positive actions of governments, industries, local communities, and international organisations.

“These inspiring stories show that biodiversity protection and sustainable seafood production are two sides of the same coin.”