Scientists: By 2050, Oceans Could be Restored

A new scientific assessment reveals that the oceans are remarkably resilient despite the abuse humans have inflicted on them for decades, using them as dumping ground for wastes. This assessment stems from a review of results seen in conservation efforts in the past, and the authors say that if we build on these efforts to help the ocean, this resilience may mean that marine habitat may fully recover within the next thirty years.

The scientists further add that the current challenges to be faced include climate change and the need to scale up existing efforts for conservation. They warn that we only have a very narrow window to act. Their study has recently been published in Nature.

Humans, as a species, have exploited the oceans for many centuries, and we have only seen the adverse effects of our actions within the last half-century. We have driven so many marine wildlife and fish species to near-extinction, all the while polluting the oceans with our trash, oil spills, and other wastes.

The past few decades have seen corals bleached and dying, and the acidity of the oceans increases. A 2019 report from the IPCC or the Inter-governmental Panel on Climate Change documented these effects.

In this latest review, the scientists recognize the enormity of the problem, while at the same time shows the marine environment's outstanding resilience. Ever since commercial whaling was banned, the numbers of humpback whales have significantly recovered. Besides, the number of threatened species as assessed by IUCN or the International Union for Conservation of Nature has seen a drop of 6.6% last year from the 18% level recorded in 2000.

King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Saudi Arabia marine science professor and lead author Carlos Duarte, states that their study documented the recovery of ecosystems, habitats, and marine populations after various conservation efforts. The study also provides specific and evidence-based recommendations for scaling such proven interventions to a global level.

Duarte added that based on past successes, we know what to do to rebuild marine life successfully. He also pointed out that there is evidence to prove that this objective can be attained within thirty years. But he says that we must ramp up our efforts and also implement them in areas where fewer efforts are being made.

There are nine key components that the researchers identified for rebuilding our oceans: the deep ocean, mangroves, salt marshes, seagrasses, kelp, coral reefs, oyster reefs, megafauna, and fisheries. They also recommend a set of actions, such as protecting species, restoring habitats, and harvesting wisely.

The University of York, UK professor, and co-author Callum Roberts says that we have the expertise and skills we need for restoring vital habitats. He added that science gives us a reason to be optimistic about our oceans' future. Currently, however, he says that we are not doing enough.

Duarte says that if we are not ambitious and urgent about our efforts, such efforts could be wasted. He also adds that we need to reduce pressure on fishing and tackle pollution.

Funding is an additional factor. The study estimates that rebuilding the oceans by 2050 will cost $10 to 20 billion per year. However, it computes a $10 return for each dollar spent. The authors know that the governments of the world have other issues in their priority, but they think that the effort is very achievable. According to Duarte, not embracing this challenge is not an option, for it will condemn our grandchildren to a damaged ocean that cannot support a high quality of life.