The United Nations convened its Ocean Conference (Unoc) in Lisbon, Portugal in June. The goal was to “to propel much needed science-based innovative solutions aimed at starting a new chapter of global ocean action” The world needs a “sustainably managed ocean”, according to the UN’s under-secretary-general for legal affairs, Miguel de Serpa Soares, who hailed the conference as an “enormous success”. If only.
The ocean’s importance cannot be overstated. It is the planet’s largest biosphere, hosting up to 80% of all life on earth. It generates 50% of the oxygen we breathe and absorbs one-quarter of all carbon dioxide emissions, essential for climate and weather regulation.
Yet over the last four decades, it has come under unprecedented pressure, largely owing to the rapid growth of commercial maritime activity. This growth is particularly significant in exclusive economic zones (EEZs), contiguous areas of territorial water that stretch some 370 kilometres from country coastlines.
