Understanding the Ocean for Progressive Management

The input of carbon dioxide into the ocean is continuing, albeit in an irregular manner, resulting in acidifcation of the ocean. Compounded with other pressures, it has a negative impact on a wide range of organisms, in particular those that form calcium carbonate shells, with the potential to alter biodiversity and ecosystem structure. Ocean acidification, combined with rising temperatures, sea level rise, deoxygenation and increasing extreme climate events, further threatens the goods and services provided by coastal ecosystems.

• Scientific understanding of the ocean is growing, but there are still knowledge and capacity gaps, especially in areas beyond national jurisdiction.

• Quantifying the cumulative effects of pressures on the ocean and developing comprehensive and standardized indicators of ocean health are still in their early stages.

• People need access to and use of scientific understanding to apply integrated approaches to the management of human impacts on the ocean.

• Progress towards other Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) will help achieve targets 14.3 and 14.a, and vice versa.