New Science-Based Indicator to Evaluate the Condition of the Oceans and the Threat of Species Extinction Developed

Recent biodiversity studies showed an unprecedented loss of species, ecosystems, and genetic diversity on land, but it is unknown how prevalent these patterns are in the oceans.

New tool developed to monitor the health of marine ecosystems

(Photo : KHALED DESOUKI/AFP via Getty Images)

Researchers from Spain's AZTI Technology Centre, in collaboration with SFU and the International Seafood Sustainability Foundation (ISSF), developed a global indicator that measures the state of marine biodiversity based on changes in extinction risk recorded over seven decades in oceanic predatory fishes in a new study published recently in the journal Science (52 populations of 18 different species of tuna, billfish, and sharks).

The study shows how, since the 1950s, the global extinction risk of oceanic predatory fishes has steadily increased due to overfishing until the late 2000s, as per ScienceDaily.

The findings provided some hope following the global rebuilding of commercially important tuna and billfish species, but they also revealed a problem in the management of sharks captured incidentally by the same fisheries, emphasizing the importance of taking action to prevent their extinction.

Then, management measures implemented by international fisheries organizations effectively reduced fishing mortality, allowing tunas and billfish to recover.

Nonetheless, the extinction risk for undermanaged sharks is increasing.

The authors of the study believed that shark fisheries management can replicate the success of tuna and billfish fisheries management.

According to them, oceanic sharks urgently require better management and protection from overfishing, which can be accomplished by regulating trade, redefining priorities in international fisheries bodies, and establishing clear biodiversity goals and targets.

According to the study, implementing science-based catch limits and changing how and where gear is deployed can help to avoid and reduce incidental shark catching.

The CITES meeting in Panama this week provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to regulate 90% of the global shark fin trade.

Also Read: Scientists Call for Collaborative Effort to Study Marine Ecosystem Damage Caused by SE Asian Fires

The marine environment is an essential component of the global life-support system

Oceans cover 71% of the Earth's surface and provide us with food, oxygen, and employment.

They are, however, the least understood, biologically diverse, and undervalued of all ecosystems, as per UNEP.

From deep oceans to coastal reefs, and mudflats to seagrass beds, ocean, and marine systems provide essential services such as carbon capture for climate mitigation, renewable energy, and storm surge protection, to name a few.

As the world's population grows, we are delving deeper and deeper into the oceans in search of fish, oil, gas, minerals, and new genetic resources in order to keep up with rising demand.

UNEP has been working hard to promote integrated ocean and sea management.

The UNEP Ecosystems Management Subprogramme works to drive change in the short and long term by developing innovative solutions, forming partnerships, and assisting countries in better managing, monitoring, and accounting for biodiversity as well as the health and productivity of ecosystems.

Moving from sectoral management to an approach that marries seemingly competing for interests in marine and coastal resources and space within a robust framework and a spatial planning perspective will be central to a transformational response to decades of overfishing, pollution, and unplanned coastal development.

Oceans are threatened by marine and nutrient pollution, resource depletion, and climate change, all of which are primarily the result of human activity.

These threats put additional strain on environmental systems such as biodiversity and natural infrastructure, while also causing global socioeconomic issues such as health, safety, and financial risks.

Innovative solutions that prevent and mitigate negative impacts on marine environments are required to promote ocean sustainability.

The internationally agreed-upon Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) guide governments in creating a world where we value the global ecosystem on which we all rely for survival.

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