The sea is important to many of us in so many ways. Perhaps you are one of the 40% lucky enough to live within 100 kilometers of it? Perhaps you enjoy a fish supper once in a while? Did you know 17% of the protein consumed globally comes out of the sea? But this is a blog about one percents, well….
The FAO estimates that fishing, aquaculture and aquafeed contributed 1% to the global economy in 2019. As a trend we are taking more out of the sea year on year and inevitably we need to be careful not to compromise such a valuable resource.
But 80% of all life on Earth lives in the sea and the marine ecosystem is suffering under the weight of over-fishing, global heating and plastic pollution, amongst other things. This is particularly apparent in one of the most diverse ecosystems on the planet – coral reefs. These amazing places cover less than 1% of the Earth’s surface but it is estimated that a quarter of all ocean species depend on them for food and shelter.
Acknowledging the huge importance of the sea and all that calls it home, the UN Sustainable Development Goals set a target to protect 10% of the world’s oceans by 2020. Unfortunately this hasn’t been achieved as only 7.6% is currently protected within Marine Protection Areas: and only 1% of the high seas, which usually fall outside of national jurisdictions, are protected from fishing. However the push for increased protection continues, spearheaded by the UK and the Global Ocean Alliance, with a new ambitious target of 30% of the ocean protected by 2030.
Its great to see the UK being so proactive in this area. As a series of islands we have a strong connection to the sea both to our economy and through our history; and one of the newest Marine Protection Areas reflects this. The waters around the UK Overseas Territory of Tristan Da Cunha were protected at the end of 2020. It is described as a largely untouched wildlife haven, home to tens of millions of seabirds including albatross and penguins, whales, sharks and seals and the largest ‘no-take’ zone in the Atlantic. Covering over 260,000 square miles this represents another 1% of the global oceans protected!
One Percent Blog 