From Decline to Recovery a Rescue Package for the Global Ocean
From Decline to Recovery A Rescue Package for the Global Ocean From Decline to Recovery - A Rescue Package for the Global Ocean Global Ocean Commission Report 2014 Contents 01 Letter from the Co-chairs 02 Understanding the Global Ocean 14 Shifting From Continued Decline to a Cycle of Recovery 22 Proposals for Action 80 Annexes Cover photograph © Corey Arnold 01 Letter from the Co-chairs Global Ocean Commission Report 2014 Letter from the Co-chairs 24 June 2014 Dear Friends What we found was cause for alarm. The ocean is under threat, and humanity’s approach to it is uncontrolled. Benign neglect It is no exaggeration that all life on Earth, including our own by the majority, and active abuse by the minority, have fuelled a survival, depends on a healthy, vibrant ocean. Containing an cycle of decline. No single body shoulders responsibility for ocean almost unfathomable diversity of life, billions of us rely on it for health, and an absence of accountability is characterised by blind food, clean air, a stable climate, rain and fresh water, transport exploitation of resources and a wilful lack of care. We call this the and energy, recreation and livelihoods. cycle of decline. Our ocean is in decline. Habitat destruction, biodiversity loss, Through consideration of the latest scientific and political analysis, overfishing, pollution, climate change and ocean acidification are we have identified proposals for action. These both sound a pushing the ocean system to the point of collapse. Governance warning and indicate what needs to be done. While some are not is woefully inadequate, and on the high seas, anarchy rules the new, all are pragmatic and possible, and should incentivise public waves.
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