Oceans

A number of global, regional and sub-regional conventions, protocols and agreements have been established to protect the marine environment from pollution. They also support an integrated and sustainable use of marine and coastal resources as well as ecosystem based water management.

Despite global agreements, there are continuing signs of degradation. For example, the number of eutrophic coastal areas has increased dramatically since 1990 – at least 415 coastal areas have exhibited serious eutrophication and only 13 of these are recovering. Instances of reported outbreaks of paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP), one example of which is the toxin produced by algal blooms in eutrophic waters, have increased from fewer than 20 in 1970 to more than 100 in 2009. Of the 12 seas surveyed between 2005 and 2007, the coasts of the East Asian Sea, North Pacific, Southeast Pacific and Wider Caribbean contained the most marine litter. In contrast, the Caspian, Mediterranean, and Red Seas had the least. Excessive absorption of CO2 from the atmosphere is causing acidification of the oceans which is postulated to be a major threat to coral reef communities and shellfish. Additional studies are needed, to better understand the extent, dynamics and consequences of this process.

Sustainable management of coastal areas and ocean resources, including through marine protected areas, requires national action, effective coordination and cooperation at all levels.