Group5_A | SDG 14: Life Under Water

 Authors: Harshita Ramrakhyani (BJ20019), Lavanya S (BJ20026), Mukund Sood (BJ20029), Prateek Bansal (BJ20036), Sharad Bang (BJ20047), Yash Chitnis (BJ20061)

Fig 1: SDG-14
Source: United Nations Website

Oceans form more than 90% of the habitable space on the planet, providing shelter to approximately 200,000 marine species [1]. Marine biodiversity provides livelihood to more than 3 billion people bringing in approximately USD 3 trillion per year [2]. Due to the considerable consumption pressure, fish stocks around the world are depleting at unsustainable levels. Overexploitation is only one of the several issues in the marine ecosystem, with increasing pollution levels adding fuel to the fire.

Preservation of the marine ecosystem is one of the most pressing issues that need to be addressed to prevent fish stocks' extinction. The 193 member states of the UN decided to adopt the Sustainable Development Goals, also known as the Global Goals in 2015 to preserve the planet, end poverty, and ensure peace and prosperity for everyone [3]. "Goal 14: Life Below Water" deals with the need to preserve marine life from pollution, acidification, and overexploitation.

The SDG stipulates targets with clear timelines focussed on reducing marine debris and chemical pollution, minimizing ocean acidification, preventing overfishing, prohibiting fishing of endangered species, and providing access to small fishers to alleviate poverty. However, the implementation of preservation measures and achievement of these targets by 2030 is an expensive and extremely difficult task, with an estimated USD 32 billion as a one-time cost, and USD 21 billion in yearly expenses [4]. Therefore, it is also imperative to understand why there is a need to preserve the planet's marine biodiversity. 

Why is this SDG Important?

Large-scale oil drilling and oil spills, disposal of sewage and toxic chemicals in the oceans, and other human activities have progressively worsened the oceans' pollution levels. On top of that, today's Carbon dioxide levels are higher than at any point in at least the past 800,000 years [6].

Additionally, Marine debris is one of the most menacing problems with an average of 13,000 pieces of plastic litter per square kilometer of the ocean surface [5]. These pieces of plastic can get entangled or eaten by the marine population, killing them or inhibiting their reproduction abilities.

Overfishing looks like a means to increase economic benefits by selling more fish. However, we need to understand the permanent economic loss due to the loss of fish stocks. UN estimates the loss due to poor ocean management to be around USD 200 billion per year [4]. 

These factors have had a tremendous negative impact on the oceans leading to issues such as the following:

Ocean Acidification

The increasing CO2 content in the atmosphere affects the climate, resulting in chemical effects on oceanic waters as the oceans absorb the atmospheric CO2. According to estimates, the oceans have absorbed somewhere between 33% to 50% of the CO2 released into the atmosphere since 1850 [7]. While this absorption slows down the pace of climate change, it alters the water's pH value, thereby resulting in the ocean's build-up of carbonic acid. This phenomenon is termed ocean acidification, and it is estimated that the sea is 30% more acidic as compared to the sea at the end of the eighteenth century [8]. 

The seriousness of the concern is established by the fact that ocean acidification is one of the nine boundaries mentioned in the Planetary Boundaries Framework. While the current level of ocean acidification has not breached the boundary, it poses significant threats as the current rate of acidification is the highest in over 65 million years,[9] and if the process is not slowed down, then mitigation would become increasingly difficult and costly.

The Problem of Microplastics

On average, 9 million tons of plastic wash into the ocean every year [10]. Some portion of this plastic gets broken down into plastic particles with a diameter < 5mm, commonly known as microplastics. These plastic particles are of particular concern as they get consumed by fish. It is estimated that at least two-thirds of the world fish have ingested plastic [11] resulting either in death (of the fish) or travel through the food chain to humans, seabirds, and other marine animals. The population of fish has fallen by 50% since 1970 12 and these plastic particles are a significant cause behind the declining fish population as they tend to affect their appetites, reproduction capabilities, and ultimately the growth rate and population of fish.

Fig 2: Microplastics plague the ocean
Source: Bonnie Monteleone

Loss of Biodiversity

Millions of species find their home in the ocean as it constitutes more than 90% of the planet's habitable space. However, unsustainable fishing practices, coastal land, and sea use change, and climate change are causing the extinction of marine species. Approximately 2.45 lakh Km2 oceanic area is now classified as a dead zone – where the oxygen levels are so low that marine lives cannot survive [13]. More than 50% of the marine species may stand on the brink of extinction by the year 2100, [14] and this will have severe implications for food security and food chains as more than three billion people [15] find their source of protein in fish. New economic opportunities such as more intensive fishing, deep-sea mining, and deeper oil and gas drilling are emerging, increasing risks to areas that historically were not under threat. Collective efforts are needed from corporates and governments worldwide to preserve marine biodiversity.

How has COVID-19 Impacted Oceans?

Coming to the present day, the overarching sentiment about the impact of COVID-19 on the oceans has been a positive one. Most are under the impression that the lockdowns implemented world-over have resulted in ocean conditions improving significantly. The idea that 'nature is healing' quickly took root in 2020.

The data (or lack thereof), however, paints a different picture. When talking of ocean acidification, researchers of atmospheric and ocean sciences have found no noticeable slowdown due to emission reductions. Despite emissions being at one-fourth normal levels, the impact on ocean 'recovery' has been negligible. Admittedly, carbon absorption levels have fallen. However, this is because of lesser emissions due to lockdowns and will rise once the world hits un-pause [16].

Shifting the focus to ocean pollution, the assumption of an environmental silver-lining to the pandemic falls short of the truth. An estimated 129-billion masks and 65-billion gloves have been used every month during the pandemic period [17]. These have found their way into rivers and oceans, and the difficulty with gloves and masks is they are easily mistaken for jellyfish. This increases entanglement risks for various fish, animals, and birds; and this is just PPE [19]. Due to takeouts and deliveries, single-use plastic use has gone through the roof, with 2020 set to exceed 2019 usage-levels by 30%. Budget strains have even triggered the breakdown of recycling systems world-over. For example, the USA has 9,000 recycling facilities, most of which are run by municipalities [20]. They have resorted to shutting down these facilities to divert funds towards heath and unemployment efforts.

Are the numbers around a reduction in carbon absorption and the plastic levels in the ocean-based on data collected during this period reflective of our progress in SDG-14? Unfortunately, the answer is no [18]. Data collected from ocean observation programs have dropped by 80% [19]. Almost all research vessels, maintenance, and deployment (of equipment) programs and ocean surveys were halted because of government restrictions. The last year has seen the most named-storms ever on record and a category-5 storm at the end of November (a shocking anomaly). Given the lack of data collected during this period, we could have missed out on pivotal data about how the oceans indeed react to such periods of reduced activity and their implications on ocean ecology.

Initiatives

Aware of these issues over the years, multiple initiatives were taken by various organization to conserve life underwater:

Safeguarding Biodiversity

Steps taken for the same can be illustrated through the example of the Tamil Nadu government for the Gulf of Mannar. An amount of USD 2 million was allocated by the government. They initiated joint patrolling and other project initiatives that increased coral reef cover by five percent between 2005 and 2009 [23] Coal mining in that area was pushed to a halt, and a ban on seaweed collection was put in place. Over 77,000 fishermen have benefited from awareness generation activities initiated by the Village Marine Conservation and the Eco-development Councils. Over 2,000 youth from fishing communities have undergone short vocational training on 22 courses. Thirty thousand women benefited from a corpus fund of US$ 1.4 million, set up to microfinance committee members. An educational center on the coastal and marine biodiversity attracts hundreds of visitors daily.

Space Technology Support

Using Space technology, the government (through companies such as exactEarth) has been mapping and monitoring natural and protected areas such as fishing vessel tracking, navigation, illegal, unregulated, and unreported fisheries. This allows us to check fishery product traceability, endangered species, and exploitation of fishery resources. It also allows continuous assessment and monitoring of marine and coastal resources, climate change - particularly water temperature and identification of algal blooms [22].

National Marine Litter Policy

Marine litter comprises items that have been made or used by people and discarded into seas, rivers, or beaches. Their policy framework is divided into four categories. Initially, the focus is laid on Legislation, Policies, and Enforcement [24]. The second policy emphasizes the depth of Institutional Frameworks and Stakeholder Involvement. The third policy is Monitoring Programmes and Research, and the final incentive will concentrate on Education and Outreach.

Reef Watch Marine Conservation

A team rescues fragmented coral and helps secure these fragments using mineral accretion technology and electrolysis. Further, through treatment and care, they help the coral grow back in its natural habitat, monitoring it and preventing coral disease [21]. Once the corals obtain their original form, coral is developed in new colonies and protected by conducting information and awareness drives among local communities. For example, The Mithapur coral fragments in the Lakshadweep waters were stabilized and gradually acclimatized to the local seawater through the efforts. The pieces were finally immersed in their natural surroundings and transplanted.

Fig 3: Plastic entering the food chain
Source: National Geographic

Worldwide Government Rules and Regulations

Ensure the effective regulation of harvesting, overfishing, and destructive fishing practices by charging appropriate fines. Prohibit certain forms of fisheries subsidies that contribute to overcapacity and overfishing. An increase in scientific knowledge, develop research capacity and transfer marine technology, considering the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission criterion and the guidelines on the Transfer of Marine Technology, improve ocean health, and enhance marine biodiversity.

Industry-Specific Initiatives

Let us take a look at how other companies are contributing to this SDG-14

Boston Consulting Group

Boston Consulting Group has partnered with the world's largest ocean cleaning mission, The Ocean Clean-up. Working with The Ocean Clean up, BCG is helping maximize its impact and effectiveness, from developing a funding strategy for plastic extraction technologies to building a revenue-generating business linked to its core activities to generate sustainable revenue streams [25].

Accenture

A new Plastics Policy Playbook [26], created in partnership with Accenture Development Partnerships, has established a strategy to improve the collection of waste and help bring an end to ocean plastic pollution. Accenture has also helped Plastics Policy Playbook in developing a plan to increase waste collection and strategy to end the ocean plastic pollution problem [27].

Walmart

In Sept'20, Walmart unveils plans to achieve zero emissions from its global operations by 2040—without carbon offsets—and preserve, maintain or restore at least 50 million acres of land and 1 million square miles of ocean by 2030 [28]. Walmart also vowed to help minimize plastic waste in the world's waters in support of a campaign by five of the G7 industrialized nations [29].

References

1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marine_life
2. https://www.undp.org/content/undp/en/home/sustainable-development-goals/goal-14-life-below-water.html
3. https://www.undp.org/content/undp/en/home/sustainable-development-goals.html
4. https://www.rebelbuda.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Goal-14.pdf
5. https://geographyandyou.com/marine-litter-threat-to-marine-biodiversity/
6. https://www.climate.gov/news-features/understanding-climate/climate-change-atmospheric-carbon-dioxide
7. https://coastadapt.com.au/ocean-acidification-and-its-effects
8. https://earthbound.report/2013/07/30/planetary-boundaries-8-ocean-acidification/
9. https://www.oceanacidification.org.uk/Oarp/media/images/PDF/UKOA-GeologicalPast.pdf
10. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/magazine/2019/05/microplastics-impact-on-fish-shown-in-pictures/
11. https://oceancrusaders.org/plastic-crusades/plastic-statistics/
12. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/magazine/2019/05/microplastics-impact-on-fish-shown-in-pictures/
13. https://ipbes.net/news/Media-Release-Global-Assessment
14. http://www.unesco.org/new/en/natural-sciences/ioc-oceans/focus-areas/rio-20-ocean/blueprint-for-the-future-we-want/marine-biodiversity/facts-and-figures-on-marine-biodiversity/
15. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/magazine/2019/05/microplastics-impact-on-fish-shown-in-pictures/
16. https://www.government.se/government-policy/the-global-goals-and-the-2030-Agenda-for-sustainable-development/goal-14-life-below-water/
17. https://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/ocean-research-disruption-pandemic-1.5813488
18. https://www.businesstoday.in/coronavirus/covid-19-hazard-156-bn-masks-pollute-oceans-in-2020-claims-study/story/426450.html
19. https://www.colorado.edu/today/2020/12/10/impacts-covid-19-emissions-reductions-remain-murky-oceans
20. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/covid-19-has-worsened-the-ocean-plastic-pollution-problem/
21. http://www.ocean-ops.org/reportcard/
22. https://www.unoosa.org/oosa/en/ourwork/space4sdgs/sdg14.html
23. https://www.in.undp.org/content/india/en/home/climate-and-disaster-reslience/successstories/easing_troubled_watersconservingthegulfofmannarsbiodiversity/
24. https://www.in.undp.org/content/india/en/home/climate-and-disaster-reslience/successstories/easing_troubled_watersconservingthegulfofmannarsbiodiversity/
25. https://www.consultancy.uk/news/19278/consultancies-support-worlds-largest-ocean-clean-up
26. https://oceanconservancy.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Plastics-Policy-Playbook-10.17.19.pdf
27. https://www.accenture.com/us-en/blogs/blogs-careers/were-helping-save-the-oceans-with-accenture-development-partnerships
28. https://corporate.walmart.com/media-library/document/2019-environmental-social-governance-report/_proxyDocument?id=0000016c-20b5-d46a-afff-f5bdafd30000
29. https://www.euractiv.com/section/energy-environment/news/coca-cola-walmart-sign-pledge-to-cut-plastic-pollution-in-oceans/