Every June 8th, the world commemorates World Oceans Day, a date established by the UN in 2008 with the purpose of raising awareness about the key role of the seas in climate regulation, oxygen production, and food security.
The oceans cover 70 percent of the Earth’s surface and host essential biodiversity, much of which remains undiscovered. However, various reports warn that they are facing a severe environmental crisis. Threats such as climate change, plastic pollution, ocean acidification, and overfishing, factors that compromise their ecological balance.
Sustainable fishing: the central focus in 2025
For this year, World Oceans Day highlights the importance of sustainable fishing, a practice that seeks to avoid overexploitation, minimize bycatch, and preserve marine biodiversity.
According to the Marine Stewardship Council, more than 38 million people work in capture fisheries, and one-third of the world’s population relies on seafood as a source of protein.
Endangered marine ecosystems
UN data reveals that 90 percent of large marine fish species are depleted and 50 percent of coral reefs have been destroyed.
In 2021, 17 million metric tons of plastics polluted the oceans, a figure that could double or triple by 2040.
Pollution and invisible effects on the oceans
Plastic waste has raised significant environmental concerns, but experts warn of other less visible pollutants with equally harmful effects. Among them are polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls, and pharmaceutical compounds and PFAS found in everyday products.
These elements, although less conspicuous, pose a severe threat to the health of marine ecosystems.
Local and global pressures on coral reefs
Coral reefs face multiple challenges, from unsustainable fishing to climate change.
Experts point out that these stressors act cumulatively, making corals more vulnerable to coral bleaching, a condition that threatens their survival.
An environmental urgency that requires global action
The ocean crisis demands immediate actions, from regulations on fishing and pollution to marine conservation initiatives.
With sustainable strategies and global commitments, it is still possible to reverse the deterioration of the oceans and ensure their ecological balance for future generations.
