Our oceans need a global rescue operation – now

The document highlights a critical decline in marine species, noting a 50% reduction in some populations over 40 years and the overfishing of 90% of global fish stocks. It emphasizes that oceans produce 70% of the world's oxygen and support billions of people, with ocean assets valued at $24 trillion. The author advocates for the implementation of UN Sustainable Development Goal 14 through better fishing practices, the removal of harmful subsidies, and the reduction of CO2 emissions to combat acidification. It specifically suggests that Norway should leverage its expertise in fisheries management to lead a global initiative, drawing parallels to the International Climate and Forest Initiative's results-based funding model.

• Marine biodiversity has declined sharply, with populations of fish, sea birds, whales, and other species decreasing by up to 50% over the last 40 years. Specifically, 17 species of tuna and mackerel have seen a 74% decrease, while sharks, rays, and sea turtles are endangered or critically endangered.
• Global fish stocks are under extreme pressure, with the United Nations reporting that approximately 90% are either fully utilized or subject to overfishing, which threatens global food security.
• The ocean provides critical ecosystem services and economic value, producing around 70% of the oxygen humans breathe and holding assets conservatively estimated at $24 trillion, with an annual value of goods and services totaling $2.5 trillion.
• To reverse marine degradation, the document recommends eliminating bycatch and overfishing, removing harmful subsidies, protecting key habitats, and reducing CO2 emissions to mitigate ocean acidification.
• The author proposes a comprehensive global initiative for marine resources, suggesting it follow the results-based funding model of the International Climate and Forest Initiative and the REDD+ mechanism, and suggests Norway take a leadership role.

APA

Jensen, N. (2016). Our oceans need a global rescue operation – now. World Economic Forum. https://www.weforum.org/stories/nature-and-biodiversity/our-oceans-need-a-global-rescue-operation-now/

Chicago

Jensen, Nina. Our oceans need a global rescue operation – now. World Economic Forum, 2016. https://www.weforum.org/stories/nature-and-biodiversity/our-oceans-need-a-global-rescue-operation-now/.

Wikipedia

{{cite press release |last1=Jensen |first1=Nina |title=Our oceans need a global rescue operation – now |publisher=World Economic Forum |date=27 July 2016 |url=https://www.weforum.org/stories/nature-and-biodiversity/our-oceans-need-a-global-rescue-operation-now/ |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@misc{jensen2016our, author = {Jensen, Nina}, title = {{Our oceans need a global rescue operation – now}}, publisher = {World Economic Forum}, year = {2016}, month = jul, url = {https://www.weforum.org/stories/nature-and-biodiversity/our-oceans-need-a-global-rescue-operation-now/}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }