A United Nations assessment released today warns that the world's oceans face a deepening crisis driven by climate change, pollution, overfishing and biodiversity loss.
The World Ocean Assessment, compiled by 600 scientists from 86 nations, documents rising sea levels, acidifying seas, dying coral reefs and declining fish stocks. This marks the third such assessment since 2015, following the previous update in 2021.
Fish stocks that provide 20% of animal protein consumed by humans are declining, according to the 1,352-page report. About 38% of global fish stocks in 2021 were harvested faster than populations could replenish themselves, up from 35% two years earlier.
The report states that contamination and pollution, including plastic waste, agricultural run-off, sewage and chemicals, are major contributors to declining ocean health. These pollutants accumulate in marine organisms and magnify through the food chain to animals eaten by people.
Up to 45% of global economic activity takes place on the world's coasts, the assessment estimated. Around 3 billion people live within 100 kilometers of the ocean.
Rapid ocean warming accounts for 30% to 50% of sea level rise, endangering coastal communities. Between 2013 and 2023, global sea level rose 4.3 millimeters annually, compared to 2.1 millimeters per year from 1993 to 2002. As water heats up, its volume expands.
source https://www.investing.com/news/world-news/un-report-warns-of-deepening-ocean-health-crisis-4731158
