MSD 019: Unit 15 - SDG14–Life Below Water

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 UNIT 15: SDG 14 – LIFE BELOW WATER

15.0 Introduction

Oceans, seas, and marine ecosystems are essential to life on Earth. Covering over 70% of the planet’s surface, oceans regulate climate, provide oxygen, are a critical source of food, and support the livelihoods of billions. Despite their importance, marine ecosystems face growing threats from pollution, overfishing, acidification, and climate change.

Sustainable Development Goal 14 (SDG 14) seeks to “conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development.” SDG 14 emphasizes the importance of protecting marine biodiversity and ensuring the health of ocean systems, which are integral to global well-being and sustainability.

15.1 Objectives

By the end of this unit, you should be able to:

·         Understand the importance of SDG 14 for sustainable development.

·         Identify key targets and indicators under SDG 14.

·         Examine the threats facing marine ecosystems.

·         Recognize global and national efforts, challenges, and opportunities in conserving life below water.

15.2 SDG 14: Life Below Water

Oceans are the Earth’s largest ecosystem and provide vital resources such as:

·         Food: Over 3 billion people depend on marine and coastal biodiversity for their livelihoods.

·         Climate regulation: Oceans absorb nearly 25% of global CO₂ emissions.

·         Transportation and trade: 90% of international trade is conducted via maritime routes.

·         Medicines and resources: Marine life contributes to pharmaceuticals and biotechnology.

However, human activity has caused:

·         Overfishing: 34% of fish stocks are overexploited.

·         Marine pollution: 8 million tons of plastic enter oceans annually.

·         Coral bleaching: Due to warming waters and ocean acidification.

·         Loss of biodiversity in coral reefs, mangroves, and estuaries.

15.3 SDG 14 Targets

SDG 14 has 10 major targets, which include both action-oriented goals and policy measures. Here are the key targets:

Target

Goal Description

14.1

Reduce marine pollution from land-based activities, especially plastics.

14.2

Sustainably manage and protect marine ecosystems.

14.3

Minimize and address ocean acidification.

14.4

Effectively regulate harvesting and end overfishing.

14.5

Conserve at least 10% of coastal and marine areas.

14.6

Eliminate subsidies that contribute to illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.

14.7

Increase economic benefits to small island and least developed states from marine resources.

14.a

Increase scientific knowledge and research capacity.

14.b

Provide access for small-scale fishers to marine resources.

14.c

Enhance implementation of international law (UNCLOS).

15.4 SDG 14 Indicators

To monitor progress, each target has indicators. A few key indicators include:

·         14.1.1: Index of coastal eutrophication and floating plastic debris density.

·         14.2.1: Proportion of national exclusive economic zones (EEZs) managed using ecosystem-based approaches.

·         14.4.1: Proportion of fish stocks within biologically sustainable levels.

·         14.5.1: Coverage of protected areas in relation to marine areas.

·         14.6.1: Progress on eliminating harmful fisheries subsidies.

These indicators help assess whether marine environments are being sustainably managed and conserved.

15.5 Global and Local Challenges versus Opportunities

🌍 Global Challenges:

1.      Plastic and Chemical Pollution:

o    Plastic debris harms marine life through ingestion or entanglement.

o    Fertilizers and industrial chemicals cause eutrophication and dead zones.

2.      Overfishing and Illegal Fishing:

o    Exploits fish stocks faster than they can replenish.

o    Threatens food security for communities reliant on fishing.

3.      Ocean Acidification:

o    Caused by increased CO₂ absorption.

o    Impairs coral reef growth and shell formation in marine organisms.

4.      Climate Change and Rising Sea Temperatures:

o    Affects fish migration patterns and coral reef survival.

5.      Weak Governance:

o    Many countries lack enforcement capacity for marine regulations.

o    Ocean law enforcement is difficult in international waters.

🇮🇳 Local (India-Specific) Challenges and Opportunities:

Challenges:

·         India has over 7,500 km of coastline, and faces:

o    Coastal pollution from urban waste, untreated sewage, and industrial discharge.

o    Overfishing, particularly in states like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Odisha.

o    Coral reef damage in the Gulf of Mannar and Andaman region.

o    Mangrove degradation in West Bengal and Gujarat.

Opportunities:

·         Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) such as Gulf of Kutch, Sundarbans, and Malvan Coral Reserve.

·         Blue Economy Initiatives under the Sagarmala Project for coastal development and sustainable marine resource use.

·         Participation in Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network and partnerships with UNEP and FAO.

·         Community-based conservation: promoting eco-tourism, traditional fishing, and mangrove restoration.

15.6 Let’s Sum Up

·         SDG 14 promotes the protection and sustainable use of oceans and marine resources.

·         Oceans are crucial for climate regulation, biodiversity, food, and livelihoods.

·         Threats such as overfishing, marine pollution, and climate change are increasing.

·         Global indicators help monitor ecosystem health and the effectiveness of policy efforts.

·         India and the global community must work together through scientific research, international cooperation, and local empowerment to restore marine ecosystems.

 

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