Why are the oceans important?
The oceans are fundamental to our lives. Almost all elements of people's everyday lives have a direct or indirect relationship with the sea. From the drinking water that reaches our homes, after treatment, to the food we consume. In addition, the oceans are a place for animals, plants and microorganisms to live, while at the same time supporting basic natural processes that are critical for the existence of life.
A typical example of these processes is the production of oxygen by phytoplankton, a microorganism that lives in the oceans and is responsible for approximately 50% of the oxygen in the atmosphere. Through photosynthesis, phytoplankton converts carbon dioxide (CO2) into glucose and oxygen, with the help of solar energy (light) and nutrients found in the oceans. Its preservation is therefore crucial for us.
They are also considered climate regulators, because they absorb and transfer heat and solar energy to the atmosphere, affecting weather conditions. In addition, carbon dioxide from the atmosphere dissolves in water, reducing its concentration in it, thus contributing to addressing the greenhouse effect.
In addition to their physical utility, the oceans play a central role in the economy, tourism and employment growth, as a workforce works in industries centered on shipping, a promising sector today. At the same time, they contribute to the strengthening of trade, because a large part of transport is carried out by sea.
Finally, in the health sector, several treatments for diseases, such as cancer and dementia, come from marine resources.
Problems encountered in the oceans and their consequences
However, despite the fundamental importance of marine ecosystems, we find that there are serious problems and "indifference" to them. In particular, we live in the Anthropocene era, where the human footprint on the marine environment is devastating.
Pollution from plastics, garbage, bags, bottle caps, cigarette butts, etc. is widespread. Research reveals the existence of 470-540 thousand tons of garbage and 150 million tons of plastic on the surface of the sea. These are ingested by fish, often leading to injuries, while at the same time, due to the toxic substances they contain, they can also lead to death. These toxic substances are then transferred to us humans when we consume the fish, causing health issues.
Of course, the negatives do not stop there, as climate change intensifies problems in the oceans. For example, the increase in temperature, as observed in the North Atlantic, leads to the migration of fish to colder waters, affecting marine biocommunities and the food chain within them. Also, the increase in temperature increases water vapor in the atmosphere, causing high humidity levels.
Furthermore, we must not forget that fossil fuel emissions, such as carbon dioxide, cause acidification and a decrease in the pH of seawater, which has devastating consequences for marine organisms including shellfish.
Finally, increased fishing activity, which is supported by subsidies, has led to the extinction of species and, by extension, problems in the food chain and the continuation of life in marine ecosystems.
United Nations and Sustainable Development Goals: Goal 14 - Life Below Water
The United Nations is sounding the alarm about the need to protect the oceans immediately. One of their initiatives is the 2030 Agenda, which was adopted in September 2015 and includes 17 goals, with 169 sub-goals. One of them is goal 14, which refers to the protection of the oceans. Specifically, it includes the following actions: reduction of marine pollution, sustainable use of marine and coastal ecosystems, scientific cooperation to minimize and address the impacts of ocean acidification, ending overfishing, effective regulation of fisheries harvest, banning fisheries subsidies, developing research and transferring marine technology.
How did we arrive at the Treaty on the High Seas and what does it provide?
The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), signed in 1982 and entered into force in 1984. It provides the legal framework, defining the rights and obligations of states within their territorial waters and Exclusive Economic Zone, which is the sea area where states conduct research activity and exploit natural resources. However, UNCLOS does not clarify the procedures for the areas beyond the borders of states, where 2/3 of the oceans belong and are called the high seas. These areas are the common property of humanity and do not belong to any state, but countries carry out maritime activities and scientific research there.
Only 1% of the high seas is protected. That is why the need arose to sign an agreement to protect biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction.
After years of negotiations, the time has come… In March 2023, the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Treaty) was signed. Its goal is the sustainable use of the oceans and the enjoyment of the benefits from marine resources without pollution.
To achieve this, it is necessary to create extensive protected areas (sanctuaries), to set boundaries, to avoid illegal activities by states such as overfishing. In addition, it is important that governments submit periodic reports on their progress.
The BBNJ Treaty was characterized by the United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, as a historic success. Although more than 90 states have signed it, only 8 have ratified it: Palau, Chile, Belize, Seychelles, Monaco, Mauritius, the Federated States of Micronesia and Cuba.
But is there actually any progress?
The European Union, through its oceans programme, has sent 40 million euros to developing countries to help them. The “Our Ocean Conference” was organized in Greece on April 16-17, 2024, at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation. The 9th International Ocean Conference was a forum for dialogue between governments, non-governmental organizations and private entities, with the aim of reducing pollution, strengthening green shipping, emphasizing the directions of the above agreement. Our country committed to completing its ratification process immediately, and other states followed suit, guided by international cooperation.
Nevertheless, the problems, as we see, still exist. A typical example is the situation in the North Atlantic Ocean. Although the main catch there is swordfish, due to both the reduction of its stock and the destructive fishing method used, the killing of a large number of species, such as sharks, is observed.
It remains to be seen whether things will change for the better soon and whether all countries will actually keep their commitments or will remain in a series of empty promises, jeopardizing the restoration of biodiversity and the health of marine ecosystems. Therefore, international cooperation and substantial actions are imperative to ensure a sustainable future for our oceans.
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