The European Parliament is hosting a conference on the future of the oceans on March 19 as it seeks to bolster protection.
The oceans are of crucial importance as they are home to a rich biodiversity, act as climate regulators and offer food security. They also contribute to the European economy with a turnover of €566 billion, providing jobs for nearly 3.5 million people.
The oceans are of crucial importance as they are home to a rich biodiversity, act as climate regulators and offer food security. They also contribute to the European economy with a turnover of €566 billion, providing jobs for nearly 3.5 million people.
However, oceans are under increasing pressure from climate change, over-fishing, marine litter and coastal eutrophication, which is when a body of water contains excessive amounts of minerals and nutrients. This usually leads to an overgrowth of plants and algae and later on a lack of oxygen.
Oceans need to be managed sustainably in order to conserve the fragile marine ecosystems.
The conference on the future of oceans will feature panel discussions covering global ocean governance; sustainable blue economy; and healthy, clean seas and oceans by 2030.
You can register for the conference here.
