SDG 14: Life Below Water
Ts. Dr. Iman Farshchi
Professional Technologist (P. Tech) l Former Dean, Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and IT, MAHSA University l Expert in Curriculum Development, TVET, Micro-Credentials & Sustainable Engineering
Overview
SDG 14, "Life Below Water," aims to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources to support sustainable development. Oceans are vital for life on Earth, providing oxygen, regulating climate, and supporting biodiversity and livelihoods. However, they face significant threats, including pollution, overfishing, habitat destruction, and climate change-induced phenomena such as ocean acidification and rising sea levels. This goal emphasizes reducing marine pollution, protecting marine and coastal ecosystems, ensuring sustainable fishing practices, and fostering global cooperation for ocean health. Achieving SDG 14 is essential for maintaining the ecological balance and ensuring the well-being of billions who depend on marine resources.
Key Parameters
Reducing pollution is a critical component of SDG 14. This involves addressing both land-based and marine sources of pollution, including plastics, chemicals, and untreated sewage. Coastal nations must establish robust waste management systems to prevent harmful runoff into the oceans.
Protecting ecosystems such as coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrasses is vital for biodiversity and climate resilience. These ecosystems act as nurseries for marine life, carbon sinks, and natural buffers against extreme weather events.
The absorption of CO? by oceans leads to acidification, threatening marine biodiversity, especially species reliant on calcium carbonate, like corals and shellfish. Mitigating this requires reducing CO? emissions and researching localized interventions.
Overfishing and illegal fishing practices deplete fish stocks and harm marine ecosystems. Implementing sustainable fisheries management, enforcing catch limits, and reducing bycatch are essential for long-term ecological balance.
Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) safeguard critical habitats and biodiversity while promoting sustainable tourism. Expanding MPAs and involving local communities in their management ensures their effectiveness.
Harmful subsidies encourage overfishing and destructive practices. Redirecting subsidies to support sustainable fisheries can help restore fish stocks and marine ecosystems.
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Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs) depend heavily on marine resources for their economies and food security. Strengthening their capacity to manage and benefit from these resources is crucial for sustainable development.
Advancing marine science and technology enables better monitoring and conservation of oceans. Investment in research partnerships and innovative tools can drive sustainable practices globally.
Promoting the inclusion and sustainability of small-scale fishing communities ensures livelihood security and supports biodiversity.
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The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea provides a framework for sustainable ocean governance. Strengthening its implementation is critical for equitable and effective management of marine resources.
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Good Examples
Denmark has demonstrated effective ocean governance by integrating marine conservation into its policies, particularly for sustainable fisheries. Its innovative practices, such as quota systems and advanced monitoring technologies, ensure the long-term viability of fish stocks. Australia provides a remarkable example with the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, which employs ecosystem-based management and cutting-edge technology to monitor the reef, supporting biodiversity and sustainable tourism.
Canada’s Oceans Protection Plan illustrates a proactive approach, improving marine safety, reducing pollution from shipping, and expanding marine protected areas, which now cover over 14% of its marine environments. Malaysia has made strides in coastal ecosystem restoration by planting mangroves to combat erosion, increase biodiversity, and act as natural buffers against storms.
Pacific Island nations, such as Fiji and Samoa, combine traditional knowledge with modern conservation techniques to establish community-based Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), balancing biodiversity conservation with local livelihoods. Japan leads in marine technology and aquaculture, developing advanced practices that reduce environmental impacts while ensuring food security.
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Suggestions for Improvement
To combat marine pollution, nations must strengthen waste management systems and enforce bans on single-use plastics. Canada, for instance, has introduced national policies to eliminate unnecessary plastics and is investing in recycling infrastructure. This model could be replicated in countries like Malaysia to reduce plastic waste entering waterways and oceans.
Protecting marine and coastal ecosystems requires large-scale restoration projects, such as replanting mangroves and seagrass. Australia’s efforts in restoring coastal habitats serve as a model for other nations, enhancing biodiversity while mitigating climate impacts. Addressing ocean acidification demands robust global commitments to reduce CO? emissions, along with localized solutions like alkalinity enhancement in coastal waters.
Figures 1 and 2 present data released by BirdLife International on the mean percentage area of marine sites, specifically marine Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs)—sites critical for the global preservation of marine biodiversity—that are under protection. The long-term target for this indicator is a value of 100. However, the data reveals that some countries have significantly overlooked this parameter, highlighting the need for more robust conservation efforts.
Sustainable fishing practices should be prioritized through stricter enforcement of catch limits and the promotion of technologies like blockchain for supply chain tracking. Pacific Island nations demonstrate the effectiveness of community-based fishing practices in balancing ecological conservation with livelihood needs.
Countries should bolster marine research and technology by fostering global partnerships to share advanced tools and knowledge. Canada’s investment in oceanographic research offers an inspiring framework. Utilizing autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) and satellite monitoring systems can enhance data collection and conservation strategies.
Strengthening the implementation of UNCLOS is essential. International agreements must protect high seas, address overfishing, and regulate activities like deep-sea mining. Enhanced global cooperation, as exemplified by the Montreal Protocol’s success in ozone layer recovery, could be a model for collective marine conservation efforts.
By combining restoration initiatives, innovative technologies, and international collaboration, nations can achieve SDG 14 and ensure the sustainability of life below water for future generations.
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