A “landmark” new international study has laid out a trailblazing road map for restoring marine ecosystems to healthy levels—and if accomplished, the world’s oceans could recover to their former glory by 2050.

The study, which involved some of the world’s leading marine scientists working across four continents, in 10 countries and from 16 universities, uses evidence from successful conservation interventions around the globe to recommend crucial steps the international community can take to restore the abundance of marine life.

Edge of extinction

Successful conservation projects highlighted by the research include the recent surge in numbers of humpback whales following the end of commercial hunting in the Southwest Atlantic which brought the species to the edge of extinction.

The researchers found that while human activity has often had a devastating impact on the marine environment, there is evidence that sea life is remarkably resilient. While there were steep losses in marine biodiversity throughout the 20th century, population losses have slowed and in some places bounced back in the first two decades of the 21st century.

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Co-author of the study, Professor Callum Roberts from the Department of Environment and Geography at the University of York, said: “The success of many marine conservation projects in recent years illustrates how we can make a real difference to life in our oceans if we apply the lessons learnt from them at scale and with urgency.

“Over-fishing and climate change are tightening their grip, but there is hope in the science of restoration. We now have the skills and expertise to be able to restore vital marine habitats such as oyster reefs, mangrove swamps and salt marshes—which keep our seas clean, our coasts protected and provide food to support entire ecosystems.”

“Science gives us reason to be optimistic about the future of our oceans,” Roberts added.

Climate change

The review states that the recovery rate of marine life can be accelerated to achieve substantial recovery within two to three decades for most components of marine ecosystems, if climate change is tackled and efficient interventions are deployed at large scale.

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The researchers have identified nine components integral to rebuilding marine life, saltmarshes, mangroves, seagrass, coral reefs, kelp, oyster reefs, fisheries, megafauna and the deep-sea.

The report identifies specific actions within the broad themes of protecting species, harvesting wisely, protecting spaces, restoring habitats, reducing pollution, and the mitigation of climate change.

The actions recommended include identified opportunities, benefits, possible roadblocks and remedial actions. They provide a tangible road map to deliver a healthy ocean providing huge benefits for people and planet.

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The report states that success largely depends upon the support of a committed, resilient global partnership of governments and societies aligned with this goal. It will also require a substantial commitment of financial resources, but the new study reveals that the ecological, economic and social gains from rebuilding marine life will be far-reaching.

“We are at a point where we can choose between a legacy of a resilient and vibrant ocean or an irreversibly disrupted ocean,” said Carlos Duarte, lead author of the study and KAUST professor of marine science.

“Our study documents recovery of marine populations, habitats and ecosystems following past conservation interventions [and] it provides specific, evidence-based recommendations to scale proven solutions globally,” Duarte added.

Reprinted from University of York

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