The well-being of the oceans and humanity are inextricably linked to one another. Oceans play an integral role in climate change mitigation, absorbing some 23% of human-caused carbon dioxide emissions and more than 90% of the excess heat created by human-caused greenhouse gases.
Serious damage over the years has been done to our oceans & the marine ecosystem which has led to ocean acidification & climate change. The oceans are highly affected by climate change, which primarily impacts the ecosystems and fish communities that live in the ocean.
Climate-informed marine planning is crucial to achieving the global climate commitments made at COP26 and will help meet national goals and obligations in biodiversity, conservation, and ecosystem restoration.
The World Ocean plays an integral role in connecting remote areas by transporting substances and materials over large distances and between continents. Plastic materials of varying kinds had spread to all oceans and adjacent seas by the late 1970s or early 1980s & most plastic materials entering the marine environment are buoyant and float on the sea surface. Marine debris is a significant source of chemical contaminants to the marine environment. Several extraction and collection programs have been carried out. While plastics may constitute only about 12% of our waste, their durability results in massive accumulation. The eradication of marine debris is essential to the well-being of current and future generations, and the unique characteristics of marine debris as an environmental problem require an innovative approach to its eradication.
Remediation of marine systems, which could be polluted by both organic and inorganic contaminants, is a complex process. Stimulation of indigenous degraders with suitable nutrients can significantly enhance bioremediation rates of marine environments polluted with petroleum hydrocarbons. Restoring an area impacted by a spill is crucial to recovery. Preparedness plans have to be made to limit damage to the environment and the ecosystems.