Global Marine Biodiversity Conservation: Priorities and Strategies

Introduction

Conservation of ocean and marine life has attracted significant attention in recent years given the devastating impacts of human activities on these ecosystems. This paper examines a study conducted to promote conservation of marine and ocean life across the globe. The review demonstrates the significance of combining policy interventions and management interventions to achieve meaningful conservation outcomes.

Background: The Importance and Threats to Marine Ecosystems

Ocean and marine areas cover approximately 71% of the Earth's surface. Even though the depths of these areas are yet to be fully explored or exploited, they are habitats for a vast portion of the world's biodiversity and play an essential role in regulating global climate (Addis, p. 5). Marine biodiversity is recognized across the globe as an essential component of life not only in the oceans, but also on Earth. The Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development states that ocean and marine areas are key components of the Earth's ecosystem to an extent that without them, life on Earth would be difficult and relatively impossible in its current form (p. 3). The significance of ocean and marine areas to life on Earth is attributable to their role in regulating the climate and producing oxygen. Despite this global recognition, ocean and marine life conservation has emerged as a major issue in today's society given the devastating impacts of human activities on the Earth's ecosystem.

Katsanevakis et al. state that cumulative human effects have contributed to the degradation of marine ecosystems, especially in developed countries in the European region (p. 2). Ocean and marine ecosystems are increasingly under threat from human activities, particularly industrialization. For example, 90% of the global fish stocks in today's ocean and marine ecosystems are regarded as having been either fully exploited or overfished beyond sustainability. Additionally, other biodiverse habitats such as coral reefs, mangrove forests, and seagrass beds are under serious threat. The significant threat posed by human activities on ocean and marine ecosystems continues to endanger human life. The overfishing or exploitation of fish resources beyond sustainable levels affects between 10% and 12% of the global population that depends on the fisheries industry to earn a living, with most of these people living in developing countries.

Moreover, these human activities endanger the ability of ocean and marine areas to regulate climate. Currently, the world has experienced significant increases in water temperatures and ocean acidification, which carry serious ramifications for both ecosystems and human populations.

Given the devastating impacts and threats to ocean and marine ecosystems, the issue of conservation has attracted significant attention in the international policy agenda. Ocean and marine conservation has been the subject of regional and international agreements, as sustainable use of marine, ocean, and sea resources is considered critical to the preservation of human life. The need for preservation of ocean and marine areas is attributable to the fact that without conservation, many marine species populations may be susceptible to extinction and ongoing decline due to numerous local, regional, and international threats relating to human activities (Polidoro et al., p. 1). As a result, numerous studies have been conducted on conservation of ocean and marine life, focusing on different aspects of this topic — particularly various approaches and strategies that can be utilized to protect these ecosystems and identify evidence-based solutions.

Works Cited

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Katsanevakis, et al. "Advancing Marine Conservation in European and Contiguous Seas with the MarCons Action." Research Ideas and Outcomes 3.E1184 (n.d.): 1–16. Print.

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