Ocean Transportation
The Importance of Prioritizing Ocean Science Research for Humanity
The Ocean Economy: A Global Powerhouse
The ocean economy stands as the fourth largest in the world, with maritime activities surpassing US$3 trillion annually. This immense economic force is driven by numerous factors, chief among them being ocean transportation, which facilitates over 90% of the world's trade. This vital mode of transport significantly reduces the price per ton of shipped goods, thereby contributing to global economic vitality.
Additionally, the ocean serves as a crucial source of sustenance, providing roughly 20% of the animal protein consumed by humans through marine fish. Such contributions underscore the importance of the ocean not only as an economic asset but also as a fundamental component of global food security.
Challenges Facing the Ocean: Climate Change and Human Impact
Despite its critical importance, the ocean faces a myriad of challenges. Human development, industrial use of the sea, climate change, and pollution have led to the collapse of fisheries, coral reefs, shark populations, and other marine species. The ocean currently absorbs 90% of global heat and approximately 30% of carbon dioxide, playing a pivotal role in mitigating the impact of climate change.
However, the ocean's capacity to continue performing these vital functions is under threat. Climate change has reduced ocean mixing far more than expected, and a new comprehensive assessment of ocean warming highlights the future climate risks involved. The decline in available research ships globally has further compounded the challenges faced in understanding and addressing these issues.
The Role of Ocean Science Research
Investing in ocean science research is crucial for understanding and addressing the impacts of climate change on marine ecosystems. Ocean science research helps improve our knowledge of ocean currents, weather patterns, and natural disasters such as tsunamis. By enhancing our understanding, we can develop sustainable practices for marine resource management.
To address these challenges, a committee of researchers and experts has advised the National Science Foundation to invest in ocean science research, infrastructure, and workforce development. Such investments are essential for improving observing, modeling, and understanding of the ocean, which have greatly increased in recent years.
The Argo ocean weather observing system, for instance, provides a global view of water properties around the planet. This system, along with research on the impact of climate shifts on ocean species, enhances our understanding of carbon sequestration, shoreline protection from storms, and tipping points in interconnected ocean systems.
Governance, Gender Equality, and International Cooperation
Addressing the challenges facing the ocean requires international cooperation and a restructuring of research institutions. The Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO (IOC) is involved in ocean transportation research, emphasizing the importance of international standards and legal texts in ocean science research.
Policymakers must create frameworks that value long-term investigation in ocean transportation, while citizens must advocate for sustained investments in ocean science that transcend political cycles. The ocean's future—and our own—depends on our willingness to pursue what is vital.
UNESCO has highlighted gender equality as a key priority in the context of ocean sustainability. Women make up the majority of the workforce in coastal and maritime tourism and fisheries but often hold the lowest-paid, lowest-status, and least-protected positions. Advocacy efforts are needed to raise global awareness of the expertise and experience of women in ocean-related fields, with recommendations put forward to reduce the gender gap, provide educational opportunities for young female scientists, and acknowledge the contributions of women in marine conservation efforts.
UNESCO's commitment to gender equality is evident in its efforts to promote gender mainstreaming in the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030). Mainstreaming gender equality throughout the Decade will ensure women are as involved as men in driving ocean science and management by 2030.
The Path Forward: Ocean-Centered Governance and Sustainability
Adopting an ocean-centered governance approach is essential for addressing challenges such as marine pollution and ocean hazards. This approach prioritizes five principles: Ocean rights, Ocean relationality, Ocean data sovereignty, Ocean protection, and Ocean justice. Recognizing the ocean as a living being is increasingly crucial for global sustainability, as it provides a framework for repairing the devastation caused by humanity.
The Shinnecock Bay, designated as a Hope Spot by Mission Blue, exemplifies the significance of indigenous stewardship. The Shinnecock Nation has stewarded the bay for millennia, despite colonization and genocide. Many Indigenous Peoples do not express their relationships with humans and the natural world in terms of rights, highlighting the importance of recognizing the ocean's inherent value.
The United Nations has identified challenges in tackling marine pollution, increasing resilience to ocean hazards, and developing an equitable ocean economy. Collaboration between scientists, policymakers, and industry stakeholders is essential for prioritizing and funding ocean science research initiatives. The blue economy will shape the future of Canada's oceans and coastal communities.
As we look to the future, it is clear that the importance of prioritizing ocean science research cannot be overstated. Our efforts today will determine the ocean's ability to continue providing its vital functions, ensuring a prosperous, sustainable, and environmentally secure future for all.