The United Nations has warned that the world’s oceans are facing an escalating crisis driven by climate change, pollution, overfishing and biodiversity loss, calling for urgent global cooperation to protect marine ecosystems.
The warning came with the release of the Third World Ocean Assessment on World Oceans Day, a comprehensive report prepared by nearly 600 experts from 86 countries.
According to the report, ocean temperatures and sea levels are rising at an accelerating pace, while an estimated 52 million tonnes of plastic waste enter the oceans every year.
Scientists also noted that only 27.3% of the ocean floor has been mapped, leaving major knowledge gaps about deep-sea ecosystems.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres said the world must build a new relationship with the ocean based on science, international law and shared responsibility.
The report also highlighted the close link between ocean health and food security, livelihoods and public health, warning that pollution, harmful algal blooms, microplastics and climate-related changes are increasing risks to coastal communities worldwide.
