In a stark warning ahead of the United Nations Ocean Conference beginning on 9 June scientists from 19 countries, including India, have expressed deep concern over the growing threats to ocean biodiversity.
The findings come from a new survey conducted by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), involving 58 leading ocean experts worldwide.
According to the survey, climate change tops the list of threats to ocean health, driving warming seas, rising levels and extreme weather. Marine pollution, habitat degradation and overfishing closely follow.
“The Indian Ocean is rapidly warming, leading to disruptions in fish productivity, species distribution and a decline of commercially important varieties,” said Dr Sunil Mohamed, chair of the Sustainable Seafood Network of India and former ICAR-CMFRI scientist.
Plastic pollution emerged as the most pressing threat in Indian waters. “It is alarming that around 5% of marine catch from coastal waters contains plastic waste,” added Mohamed. He stressed the need for stricter action through coordinated public and government efforts. “Ocean ecosystems are inherently resilient. With good fisheries management, we can still restore balance.”
Dr M.K. Sajeevan from Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies and Dr S. Sabu from CUSAT also participated in the survey, echoing the need for urgent reforms.
Dr Beth Polidoro, research director at MSC, noted, “There is a general consensus from scientists across the world that our oceans are under threat. But there’s still time to reverse the damage.”
To mark World Ocean Day on 8 June, MSC released a report entitled Preserving Ocean Life, showcasing successful examples of sustainable fishing practices. UN ocean envoy Peter Thomson warned in the report’s foreword that 37.7% of fish stocks are now overfished, calling for decisive global action.
