Sustainable Development Goals 14:Life Below Water

 

Oceans are our planet’s life support and they help regulate the global climate sys­tem.

They are the world’s largest ecosystem, home to nearly a million known species and containing vast untapped potential for scientific discovery.

Oceans and fisheries continue to support the global popu­lation’s economic, social and environmental needs.

Despite the critical impor­tance of conserving oceans, decades of irresponsible exploitation have led to an alarming level of degra­dation.

Current efforts to protect key marine envi­ronments and small-scale fisheries, and to invest in ocean science are not yet meeting the urgent need to safeguard this vast, yet fragile, resource.

The status of the ocean and several of its resources and functions have been deteriorating over the past century.

Oceans, seas and coastal zones are subject to pollution, overexploitation and climate change impacts such as warming, coastal erosion, sea-level rise, ocean acidification and DE-oxygenation. 

Sustained incomes and economic benefits from fisheries, aquaculture and tourism sectors depend heavily on the health of oceans and coasts.

Strengthening the resilience of oceans and coasts, for example through conservation and protection of coastal wetlands, will help reduce shock exposure and enhance the resilience of poor coastal populations to extreme climate-related events.

Also, creating marine protected areas (MPAs) can constrain access to resources and ecosystem services necessary for poverty alleviation. 

Similarly, prohibiting certain subsidies could limit options for developing fisheries sectors.

Seafood, whether farmed or caught in the wild, is globally important as a source

of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, calcium, zinc, and iron for one billion people.

Sustainable fisheries and aquaculture backed by healthy oceans and coasts are a necessary prerequisite to achieve food security and improved nutrition, and to establish sustainable food production systems in islands and coastal regions.

Many people live in coastal areas and depend on the food resources that the oceans and seas provide.

Contamination of coastal zones or seafood with pollutants can cause health problems.

Reducing and preventing marine pollution will thus help reduce pollution related deaths and illnesses.

In addition, healthy seas and coasts can contribute to the overall health and well-being of coastal communities and tourists.

Oceans and seas are major sources of water in the hydrological cycle and therefore require sustainable management through integrated water management that addresses the multiplicity and diversity of water actors.

Ocean sustainability directly links to sustainable water management.

Preventing marine pollution contributes to improving water quality and vice versa.

Conservation of marine and coastal areas can support integrated water resource management and contribute to protecting and restoring water-related ecosystems.

Sustainable aquaculture can contribute to water-use efficiency and local water and sanitation management.

In return, increasing water-use efficiency may have positive feedbacks on marine and coastal ecosystems and support their conservation and sustainable use.

Increasing the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix and improving energy efficiency, reliability and affordability will enhance sustainability and help reduce ocean acidification through reduced carbon dioxide emissions.

Different types of ocean energy already contribute to the global renewable energy supply and have the potential to expand further in the future, particularly in island states and coastal regions.

Strengthening marine research and transfer of marine technology in this field could support this expansion and help increase the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.

Synergies with other uses are also possible, for example by integrating aquaculture and wind farming.

Conservation and sustainable use of oceans, seas and marine resources can directly contribute to promoting sustainable economic growth and opportunities for decent work, particularly in island states and coastal regions.

Sustainable growth of marine and maritime sectors such as fisheries, aquaculture and tourism supports employment and economic growth.

Capacity building and transfer of marine technology will help create the strengthened professional skills and competences necessary for achieving the

SDG 14 targets, and will also support youth employment, education and training, job creation and innovation, and enable sustained long-term economic growth.

Healthy oceans and coasts provide a sustainable resource base for income growth in low-income populations.

For example, blue growth will help achieve greater in-country equality over the long-term when supported by fiscal, wage, and social protection policies.

Moreover, providing small-scale artisanal fishers with access to marine resources and markets helps achieve socio- and economic Inclusion.

Restoring and maintaining ocean health also fosters the achievement of other SDGs aimed at improving livelihoods and well-being, and eliminating extreme poverty which all help to reduce inequalities.

For Open Ocean and deep sea areas, sustainabil­ity can be achieved only through increased inter­national cooperation to protect vulnerable hab­itats.

Establishing com­prehensive, effective and equitably managed sys­tems of government-protected areas should be pur­sued to conserve bio­diversity and ensure a sustainable future for the fishing industry.

On local levels, ocean-friendly choices should be made when buying prod­ucts or eating food derived from oceans.

Selecting certified products is a good place to start.

Eliminating plastic usage as much as possible and orga­nizing beach clean ups should also be practiced.

Most importantly, spreading the message about how important marine life is and why it needs to protected should be prioritized.

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