The existence of conservation units is fundamental for preservation; data are from a UNESCO report on the ocean
The State of the Ocean Report, released this week by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization), points out that 72% of the 1,473 species threatened with extinction find shelter in MPAs (Marine Protected Areas). The existence of these conservation units is fundamental for preserving biodiversity, supporting food security and the general health of the oceans, the document shows.
MPAs are delimited with the aim of conserving species and natural resources. In these areas, measures are imposed to guarantee sustainable development, ecological tourism and orderly and non-predatory fishing.
Most of the protected areas are located in the territorial sea, that is, the coastal maritime strip that is under the jurisdiction of their respective countries. In Brazil, conservation units cover 27% of the territorial sea.
The report provides a series of scientific information on the current state of the oceans and the impacts associated with global warming of the planet, a result of excess emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases caused by man. It points to an advanced process of rising water temperatures, in addition to acidification, a drop in oxygen levels in marine environments and a rise in sea levels. Here’s the complete of the document, in English (PDF – 23 MB).
The publication, which had its 1st edition released in 2022, brings together important information that can serve as input for political and administrative decisions, as well as stimulate new investigations. Its preparation also integrates UNESCO’s efforts to draw attention to the commitments of the 2030 Agenda, established at the United Nations Summit on Sustainable Development held in 2015. Through it, 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were established. The 14th of them involves the conservation and sustainable use of oceans, seas and marine resources.
The new edition, which included the participation of 98 authors from 25 countries, makes a series of notes involving concerns about biodiversity. They highlight that marine spatial planning is an important policy mechanism to help reduce pressures on ecosystems.
“By 2023, 126 countries and territories [aumento de 20% na comparação com 2022] applied area-based policies to sustainably manage ocean activities. The continuation of this positive trend will be an important contribution to action under SDG 14.”.
The researchers draw attention to the absorption of carbon dioxide by the oceans. At the same time, it is estimated that since the 1960s, the oceans have lost 2% of their oxygen. Hundreds of “dead zones” can be mapped on the coasts of different countries due to the lack of oxygen caused by pollution.
Capable of absorbing 5 times more carbon than terrestrial forests, coastal ecosystems such as mangroves and tidal marshes are touted as a refuge. These are places that reduce the stress produced by a warmer, more acidic ocean that retains less oxygen.
“They continue to be an important carbon reserve; however, protection is not guaranteed and 20% to 35% have been lost since the 1970s.”
Another concern expressed by researchers involved in the report is about eutrophication, that is, the excess of nutrients in the oceans. This occurs as a result of the discharge of sewage and untreated water. “It is necessary to better quantify the dominant sources of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) in all large marine ecosystems to develop strategies and policies for their reduction”says the report.
Both eutrophication and acidification affect algal populations. At the same time that they harm species that are important for ecological balance, they encourage the harmful proliferation of others. “Among the approximately 10,000 species of marine phytoplankton present in the world’s oceans today, approximately 200 taxa produce toxins”the document states.
Foods
There are also concerns about the amount of plastic in the ocean, which has increased at an increasingly intense rate since the 1990s. Several studies have identified the consumption of microplastics by fishwhich can pose health risks. “Global mechanisms to track the extent and distribution of nutrient and plastic pollution in our oceans are urgently needed to support mitigation and adaptation strategies.”
The publication also recalls that global population growth over the next 25 years, estimated at 2 billion people, will increase pressure on food production. In this context, the sustainability of marine life is crucial, considering that aquatic animals and algae are important sources of food.
“Fisheries and aquaculture production continues to grow, reaching a record 218 million tonnes in 2021. A deeper appreciation and understanding of the role aquatic foods can play is essential to harnessing their unique ability to address nutritional challenges , social and environmental aspects of the food system in the future”the report concludes.
With information from Brazil Agency.
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