GOAL: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development.
Covering over 70% of our planet, oceans and seas are crucial to our existence and livelihoods. However, although we rely on these precious resources for food, energy and water, reckless and unsustainable human activity has resulted in devastating repercussions in relation to marine environments and ecosystems.
Moreover, the sudden and drastic reduction in human activity, as a direct consequence of the covid-19 pandemic, provides oceans with the opportunity to recuperate. This demonstrates that immediate action is required to tackle issues of pollution and overfishing and ensure the protection of all marine life.
The ten targets to create action towards ensuring conservation of life below water, are as follows:
Reduce marine pollution, particularly from land based activities.
Protect and restore ecosystems, including by strengthening their resilience.
Reduce ocean acidification
Sustainable fishing
Conserve coastal and marine areas
End subsidies contributing to overfishing
Increase the economic benefits from sustainable use of marine resources
Increase scientific knowledge, research and technology for ocean health
Support small scale fishers
Implement and enforce international sea law