Deteriorating Ocean Health: A grave concern of our times
Stretched over about 70% of the earth’s surface, world oceans are elemental for life on our planet. 50% of oxygen in our atmosphere and protein for billions of people on earth come from our life-sustaining oceans. World oceans also rivet the world together allowing for global connectivity through maritime commerce and related industries. Estimates show that by 2030, approximately 40 million people will be employed in the sea-based industry.
From fishing and sea-mining to trade and maritime tourism, humanity is inextricably tied to world oceans for sustenance and survival. However, man’s undue intervention into the ways of nature has accelerated the process of decline impacting the health of the oceans with far-reaching implications for human existence. There is a dire need to base our future policies on sustainable and ocean-friendly practices to transition into a sustainable future, the one that guarantees our survival.
We depend on our oceans for food. Fishing alone, from catch to the consumer, produces not only food for billions of people but also creates millions of jobs worldwide. A considerable percentage of animal protein consumed by humans comes from marine fish.
Tuna, salmon, sardines, herring, mackerel, swordfish and the like are the main fish catch for human consumption. Nearly 260 million people are employed in the coastal fishing industry of which many directly engage in capturing fish and many other work in related industries. Maritime tourism has now become a booming industry worldwide. With a thriving middle class and rapidly increasing travel facilities, now there is greater ease of mobility, which has led to a rise in global maritime tourism. Recreational activities i.e. boating, coastal ecotourism, swimming, snorkeling cruising, diving, wildlife watching, mangrove tourism and recreational fishing are immensely popular with tourists. With over 1.1 trillion USD global turn-over, marine tourism industry has become a catchword in the global economy. For many island nations like Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Sri Lanka and others, tourism is a major contributor to their GDP. Approximately, no fewer than 2.4 million people are employed in the maritime tourism industry and the number is likely to increase significantly by 2030. Statistics of the World Tourism Organization show that for every tourist, 2 direct and 6 indirect employment opportunities are created which is a promising statistic encouraging more investment in this sector.
Aforementioned are only some of the most important aspects in which world oceans have sustained life on earth by providing food and supporting global economy. However, in turn, we should have been a little more considerate towards our life-sustaining oceans. The health of the earth’s oceans is under severe threat because of harmful human activities. We are exploiting ocean resources faster than they can replenish. Due to overfishing, illegal fishing, the use of harmful fishing gear and the destruction of the marine environment, world’s oceans are experiencing an alarming decline in fish populations.