On this World Fisheries Day, we celebrate the intricate dance between humanity and the vast blue expanse that sustains us – the ocean. At the heart of this symbiotic relationship lies a complex web of marine and coastal resources, contributing approximately 3% to global GDP, with projections indicating a doubling of this value by 2030. Yet, as we revel in the bounty of the seas, we must confront the stark reality that 70% of fish populations are overexploited, and the menace of ocean plastic threatens the very foundation of marine life.
This video sheds light on the pressing issues that demand our attention, presenting a call to action to preserve our oceans for future generations. Enter the stage, the Healthy Seas Foundation. In collaboration with diverse stakeholders, from fish farms to fishing communities and harbor authorities, Healthy Seas is committed to tackling the scourge of marine litter and ghost nets. Together, we stand at the forefront of a movement to forge a more sustainable future for our oceans, where responsible practices pave the way for prosperity and ecological harmony.
Join us as we delve into the hidden potential of our seas, working hand-in-hand with the industry’s key players to spearhead an era of environmental responsibility, social progress, and economic resilience, specifically addressing the pressing issues of marine litter and ghost nets. Together, let’s champion a cleaner and safer sea, combating the challenges that threaten marine life and ecological balance.
About the data in the video
Our lives are intrinsically linked to the sea, and we benefit from it every single day.
The market value of marine and coastal resources and industries is about 3% of global GDP…
and it’s set to double by 2030 (OECD report).
3 billion people rely on marine and coastal biodiversity for their livelihoods (source).
With 70% of fish populations overexploited (source) and the problem of ocean plastic…
the effects of the destruction of marine and coastal habitats are becoming clearer and clearer.
More than 640,000 tonnes of fishing gear are dumped and discarded in the sea every year (source).
The same weight as 55,000 double-decker buses.
Only 1% is floating (source).
Marine debris costs the international community more than 60 billion euros in cleanup, repairs, and losses (source).
This is why the Healthy Seas Foundation is working with the fishing industry and fishing communities on the problem or marine litter and ghost nets.
Healthy Seas partners with divers, fishermen, and businesses to remove ghost nets and recycle them into new products.
Research has found that if oceans were sustainably managed, they could provide six times more food than today (source).
And economists calculate that for every $1 invested in sustainable oceans…
there is about $5 return in economic, social, environmental, and health benefits (source).
Join us in safeguarding our oceans.
Support Healthy Seas for a cleaner and safer sea.
Like, share, and get involved today!