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Go DeeperThe Nature Conservancy's Global Marine Initiative |
Covering more than 70 percent of the Earth’s surface, the vast oceans at times can seem infinite. But a new “meta-analysis” reveals the very real limits of the oceans, mapping out the extent of 17 environmental threats—from pollution to warming waters.
Prepared by more than a dozen marine experts, the report finds that 40 percent of the oceans have been strongly affected, especially areas near big cities or in heavily populated coastal regions. The study, which ran in the journal Science, combined data on fishing, shipping, invasive species, nutrient runoff, industrial pollution, ocean warming and acidification, as well as several other threats.
The study finds that continental shelves—the biologically rich coastal waters at the margins of the continents—have been particularly affected. These waters support coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass beds and other ecosystems that help foster marine life.
“The challenges for ocean conservation are at an all-time high,” says Mark Spalding, a senior scientist at The Nature Conservancy and a coauthor of the report. “But if we keep a sensible perspective and take proactive steps to start properly managing our oceans and adjacent lands, the situation is not hopeless, and we can reverse these impacts.”
—Curtis Runyan
Nature picture credits: Photo © B. Halpern, K. Selkoe, C. Kappel, F. Michel/National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis (Map)
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