State of the Ocean Report 2024
Kartavya Desk Staff
Syllabus: Environment Conservation
- •Source: UNESCO*
Context: Recently, UNESCO’s State of Ocean Report 2024 was released
More about the State of Ocean Report:
The UNESCO State of Ocean Report 2024, initiated by the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC-UNESCO) during the 2022 United Nations Ocean Conference, serves as a comprehensive overview of the ocean’s current condition. Its primary aim is to track the progress of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021–2030) and inspire efforts towards ensuring a sustainable future for our oceans.
Initially introduced in 2022, the report enlisted insights from over 100 marine science experts, covering critical topics such as ocean acidification, pollution, and tsunami warnings. Released annually on World Oceans Day (June 8), each edition of the report aligns with the seven goals of the UN Ocean Decade, aiming to foster global collaboration and action for the protection and preservation of our oceans.
Key Findings of the Report:
• Ocean Warming: Rate doubled in 20 years; 2023 saw a significant increase; Hotspots above 2°C in the Mediterranean, Tropical Atlantic Ocean, and Southern Oceans
• Rising sea level: Sea levels rising, with ocean heat absorption contributing 40%; Accelerated ice mass loss from Greenland and West Antarctica
• Declining Oxygen Levels: The Ocean lost 2% oxygen since the 1960s; coastal areas are heavily impacted.; Rising acidity threatens coastal species’ survival.
• Blue Carbon and MPAs: Marine forests are crucial for carbon absorption; Marine Protected Areas protect biodiversity; However, many countries lack marine forest conservation in their plans.
• Acidification: Ocean absorbs 25% of annual anthropogenic CO2; Reduces seawater pH (ocean acidification); Expected to increase by over 100% by the century’s end.
Challenges in protecting the ocean:
• Illegal, Unreported and Unregular (IUU) Fishing: Depletes fish stocks; disrupts marine ecosystems; Approx. 33% of global fish stocks overfished
• Climate Change: Rises Ocean temperatures; increases acidity; Oceans absorbed over 90% of excess heat since the 1970s; 30% of carbon dioxide, increasing acidity.
• Pollution: Includes plastic waste, oil spills, and agricultural runoff; Harms marine life; creates dead zones.
• Unsustainable Tourism: High demand for activities like snorkeling, and diving; Leads to habitat destruction, pollution, and overfishing.
• Invasive Species: Disrupts marine ecosystems; harms native species; Invasive species are Introduced via ballast water, accidental release.
• Lack of Governance: Only 16% of oceans are covered by MPAs; high seas lack protection and coordination.
Key recommendations of the Report:
• Coastal Blue Carbon Ecosystems: Mangroves, seagrasses, and tidal marshes provide refuge against a warmer, more acidic ocean.
• Marine Spatial Planning: Implement to alleviate pressures on marine ecosystems.
• Increase Seafloor Knowledge: Globally enhance efforts; 75% of the ocean floor remains unmapped.
• Engage Indigenous Peoples: Involve in marine policy and planning for a sustainable ocean future.
• Promote Ocean Literacy: Foster universal appreciation of the ocean’s vital role in society.
• Adaptation to local changes is vital.
Initiatives for Ocean Protection:
• BBNJ (Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction) Treaty (2023): Also known as the Treaty of the High Seas, aims to conserve and sustainably use marine biological diversity beyond national jurisdiction.
• Marine Carbon Dioxide Removal (mCDR) Technologies: Capture CO2 from the air and store it durably.
• Marine Biodiversity: The UN 2030 Agenda emphasizes marine biodiversity protection for sustainable food security.
• Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework aims to protect 30% of the ocean by 2030.
• Creation of Marine Protected Areas (MPA): 50% of catalogued marine species are found in Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), covering 9% of the ocean.
• Case Study: Marine Protected Area (MPA) Success in the Coral Triangle: The success story of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in the Coral Triangle, a marine region in Southeast Asia renowned for its biodiversity, showcases the efficacy of conservation efforts. Through the establishment and meticulous management of a network of MPAs, the Coral Triangle has witnessed a significant recovery of coral reefs, has augmented fish populations, and enriched biodiversity within the protected areas.
Fig: Coral Triangle
About UNESCO-IOC
The Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO (IOC/UNESCO) was established in 1961 by resolution 2.31 of the General Conference of UNESCO. It assists governments in addressing ocean and coastal management needs through knowledge sharing, technology, and capacity building. The IOC plays a crucial role in the sustainable development discourse, supporting the creation of Sustainable Development Goal 14 and engaging in partnerships for ocean sustainability with organizations like the CBD, UN-Oceans, and the World Ocean Assessment.
Insta Links:
How to save our high seas from overfishing and pollution?
Mains Link:
With respect to the South China sea, maritime territorial disputes and rising tension affirm the need for safeguarding maritime security to ensure freedom of navigation and overflight throughout the region. In this context, discuss the bilateral issues between India and China. (UPSC 2018)
Prelims Link:
With reference to the United Nations Convention on the Law of Sea, consider the following statements:
• A coastal state has the right to establish the breadth of its territorial sea up to a limit not exceeding 12 nautical miles, measured from baseline determined in accordance with the convention.
• Ships of all states, whether coastal or land-locked, enjoy the right of innocent passage through the territorial sea.
• The Exclusive Economic Zone shall not extend beyond 200 nautical miles from the baseline from which the breadth of the territorial sea is measured.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (d)