Introduction to Global Health 2024_Life Below Water_Kelli Bryla (kelli b) by kelli b

kbryla2_1 — 2025-02-01 19:46:22 UTC

The targets of SDG 14 focus on conserving the ocean, reducing pollution, and carefully using marine resources.

14.1 Reduce marine pollution.

14.2 Sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems.

14.3 Address ocean acidification through scientific research.

14.4 Regulate fishing, end overfishing, and implement science-based management to restore fish stocks.

14.5 Conserve at least 10% of marine and coastal areas.

14.6 Eliminate harmful fisheries subsidies contributing to overfishing and illegal practices.

14.7 Boost economic benefits from sustainable marine resources for Small Island Developing States and least developed countries.

14.A Enhance scientific research and transfer marine technology to improve ocean health, especially for Small Island Developing States and least developed countries.

14.B Support small-scale artisanal fishers’ access to resources and markets.

14.C Strengthen international ocean governance through UNCLOS for sustainable use of ocean resources.

kbryla2_1 — 2025-02-01 19:46:22 UTC

71% of the earth's surface is the ocean.
According to UNCTAD, 90% of the world’s fish stocks are now overexploited or depleted, a significant increase from 1960, when only about 10% were considered overexploited.
Plastic waste makes up about 80% of current marine pollution.
If things don't change, by 2050, plastic waste is expected to outweigh the number of fish in the sea.

Introduction

kbryla2_1 — 2025-02-01 19:46:22 UTC

Conclusion

kbryla2_1 — 2025-02-01 19:46:22 UTC

Sustainable development goals have been adopted by the United Nations. Over the last 10 years, the goals have made significant positive progress. This article focuses on life below water and life on land (SDG 14 and 15). There appears to be more global change with SDG 15 than with 14, but it is progress nonetheless. Lower-income countries have made less progress with both, and some even reversed the progress made. More time, research, and assistance are needed for the progress to improve, but it is doing well at the moment. This article suggests it is very difficult to pinpoint marine life saved and pollution prevented, but it is assured that the information will be available in the future. There are many factors in why some countries are doing better than others, as it comes down to resource availability, waterway access, and biodiversity in the area.

kbryla2_1 — 2025-02-01 19:46:22 UTC

Fava, M. (2022). Ocean plastic pollution an overview: Data and statistics. https://oceanliteracy.unesco.org/plastic-pollution-ocean/

Kituyi, M. (2018, July 13). 90% of fish stocks are used up – fisheries subsidies must stop. UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD). https://unctad.org/news/90-fish-stocks-are-used-fisheries-subsidies-must-stop

MSC Brand Guidelines: Marine Stewardship Council. United States - English. (2023). https://www.msc.org/en-us/for-business/use-the-msc-blue-fish-label/brand-guidelines

Ritchie, H., & Roser, M. (2021, October 1). Fish and overfishing. Our World in Data. https://ourworldindata.org/fish-and-overfishing

Zhang, Y., Li, Y., & Liu, J. (2023, March 16). Global decadal assessment of life below water and on land. iScience. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10074189/

kbryla2_1 — 2025-02-01 19:46:22 UTC

SDG 14 is crucial to the health of the planet. The ocean helps regulate the climate (which ties into SDG 13), support biodiversity, provide food, and provide jobs. However, pollution and overfishing are harming this essential ecosystem, threatening its ability to function properly. To protect marine life and ensure the oceans remain healthy, it's important to embrace sustainable practices and reduce harmful activities.

kbryla2_1 — 2025-02-01 19:46:22 UTC

Reducing plastic waste- Reduce the use of plastics, such as changing from plastic utensils to metal, or plastic bags to paper bags.
Advocating for marine protection policies- Support stronger policies for protecting ocean life and marine policies.
Recycling- Recycle when it is available to you, or go out of your way to recycle. Some cities now have policies that curbside recycling is no longer available, but it is crucial to keep plastic out of landfills, as it runs off into the ocean, thus harming sea life.
Educate- Speak out about the importance of the ocean, and how crucial it is to conserve it. Make posts on social media, learn about the topic, and encourage friends to do their part.
If you see something, say something- Stores, airports, or even schools have waste cans that have "trash" and "recycling" on them, yet both dump into the same bag. This is known as "improper waste management practice". Some places have adopted local ordinances to prevent this from occurring.
Support sustainable fisheries- Many fisheries contribute to overfishing, which harms marine life. Many also underreport the amount of fish that they caught. If it comes with a sticker with a checkmark that says "MSC", it is considered sustainable. This has been adopted in the United States, Australia, New Zealand, and the EU.