Too many of us take our oceans for granted. This negative attitude towards our oceans is oftentimes derived from a lack of knowledge surrounding the importance of our oceans in the sustainability of life on our planet. The ocean is the lungs of our planet, providing most of the oxygen we breathe, is a major source of food and medicines, and a critical part of the biosphere.

More than ever before, the ocean is under stress from human activities, including greenhouse gas emissions, pollution, and over-exploitation. The ocean connects, sustains, and supports us all.

The health of the ocean is at a tipping point and so is the well-being of all that depends on it. As citizens of this planet, we are mindful of the necessity to work together in order to create a new balance with the ocean that no longer depletes its bounty, but instead restores its vibrancy and brings it new life.

World Oceans Day was celebrated on June 8 under the theme ‘Revitalization: Collective Action for the Ocean’.

Oceans make up over 70 per cent of the planet and are essential to support and promote life. Their degradation could destabilise the Earth’s dynamics with natural resources. The purpose of the day is to raise awareness among people about the “impact of human actions on the ocean” and to mobilise citizens for their sustainable management.

HISTORY

The concept of World Oceans Day was first proposed by the UN in 1992 at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro. It was suggested that a day be observed to raise awareness about the crucial role oceans play in our lives and ways in which people can help protect them. Since 2002, the World Ocean Network has built support for ocean awareness events with the help of sponsorship from UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission. On December 5, 2008, the UN General Assembly passed a resolution to designate June 8 as World Oceans Day.

THE BLUE ECONOMY

For many of us the term blue economy is not familiar. This is perhaps an opportune time to learn a little about this concept which is often used in environmental matters.

The blue economy is an emerging concept that encourages sustainable exploitation, innovation, and stewardship of our ocean and its life-giving ‘blue’ resources.

Commonwealth.org states that in the old business-as-usual model, nations developed their ocean economies through the exploitation of maritime and marine resources; for example, through shipping, commercial fishing, and oil, gas, and mineral development. Often, they do not pay adequate attention to the effect of these activities on the future health or productivity of the same resources and the ocean ecosystems in which they exist.

The blue economy concept provides a more holistic vision that embraces economic growth when it is sustainable and does not damage other sectors. Similar to the green economy, the blue economy brings human well-being, social equity, and environmental sustainability into harmony. The blue economy embraces economic opportunities, but it also protects and develops more intangible blue resources, such as traditional ways of life, carbon sequestration, and coastal resilience, in order to help vulnerable states mitigate the devastating effects of poverty and climate change.

CONSEQUENCES

According to the UN, oceans produce about 50 per cent of the planet’s oxygen and are home to Earth’s biodiversity. It is the main source of protein for over 1 billion people in the world. It is estimated that by 2030 about 40 million people will earn a living by being employed in ocean-based industries. Oceans also absorb nearly 30 per cent of carbon dioxide produced by humans, which helps in mitigating global warming.

However, over the years, oceans had to witness 90 per cent depletion of big fish populations and 50 per cent destruction of coral reefs due to reckless human activities. World Oceans Day is observed as a reminder every year of the destruction caused by human activities like garbage and sewage disposal and oil leaks. The worldwide ocean economy is valued at around US$1.5 trillion per year, making it the seventh-largest economy in the world. It is set to double by 2030 to US$3 trillion. The total value of ocean assets (natural capital) has been estimated at US$24 trillion.

GENDER AND THE OCEAN

Over the years we have seen more women enter career paths which are historically male-dominated. More women are now becoming fisherfolk, marine meteorologists, and female oceanographers. Our governments should continue to encourage and give support to this gender shift in career paths as more women continue to break the proverbial glass ceiling.

Undoubtedly, representation matters and the voices of women are critical regarding the discourse on oceans and sustainable development.

THE OCEANS

The five oceans are connected and are actually one huge body of water called the global ocean or just the ocean. The five oceans are the Pacific, Atlantic, Indian, Arctic, and the Southern Ocean, which is off the coast of Antarctica. The Pacific Ocean is the largest ocean covering more than 30 per cent of the Earth. This is close to half of the water on Earth.

The equator divides the Pacific Ocean into two separate parts — the North Pacific Ocean and the South Pacific Ocean.

The Atlantic Ocean is situated between the Americas and European and African continents. The Atlantic Ocean is the second-largest and saltiest ocean in the world.

The Indian Ocean is the third-largest ocean surrounding a densely populated region. It contains an additional 20 per cent of the water on Earth’s surface.

The Southern Ocean is the newest ocean recognised by the International Hydrographic Organization, while the Arctic Ocean is the world’s smallest and shallowest ocean. Further to this, it is the coldest and least salty.

While Jamaica is not surrounded by an ocean, the island is encircled by the Caribbean Sea, which is a suboceanic basin of the western Atlantic Ocean.

THE WAY FORWARD

Unfortunately, too many of us see oceans as huge garbage receptacles. There needs to be a new vision regarding how we view our oceans and the measures we implement to protect same. The time is now for us to join in protecting our oceans. Whether we earn our livelihood from the oceans or not, we all have a role to play in protecting their health and viability. Be part of the solution as we join the international community in in its attempts to safeguard oceanic resources. The ocean matters.

In the words of poet Sarah Kay: “There’s nothing more beautiful than the way the ocean refuses to stop kissing the shoreline, no matter how many times it’s sent away.’

Wayne Campbell is an educator and social commentator with an interest in development policies as they affect culture and or gender issues. Send comments to the Jamaica Observer or waykam@yahoo.com.