IPSO Report on the state of the oceans

A panel of international experts convened by the International Programme on the State of the Oceans have published a report concluding that the oceans are at high risk of entering a phase of extinction of marine species - unprecedented in human history. The report is based on discussions among experts at a two day workshop held in April 2011, and is entitled: International Earth system expert workshop on ocean stresses and impacts, a summary workshop. The report‘s key points are as follows:

• Human actions have resulted in warming and acidification of the oceans and are now causing increased hypoxia (inadequate oxygen supply)
• The speeds of many negative changes to the ocean are near to or are tracking the worst case scenarios from IPCC and other predictions. Some are as predicted but many are faster than anticipated, and many are still accelerating.
• The magnitude of the cumulative impacts on the ocean is greater than previously understood
• Timelines for action are shrinking
• Resilience of the ocean to climate change impacts is severely compromised by the other stressors from human activities including fisheries, pollution and habitat destruction.
• Ecosystem collapse is occurring as a result of both current and emerging stressors. 
• The extinction threat to marine species is rapidly increasing.

Technical means to achieve the solutions to many of the problems the workshop identified already exist, but current societal values prevent humankind from addressing them effectively. Overcoming these barriers is core to the fundamental challenges needed to achieve a sustainable and equitable future for the generations to come and which preserves the natural ecosystems we benefit from and enjoy today. The report recommends action in four areas:

• Immediate reduction in CO₂ emissions: it is a matter of urgency that the ocean is considered as a priority in the deliberations of the IPCC and UNFCCC.
• Urgent actions to restore the structure and function of marine ecosystems, including coordinated and concerted action in national waters and on the High Seas:
  • Reduce fishing effort to sustainable levels
  • Close fisheries that are not managed sustainably
  • Establish a comprehensive and representative system of marine protected areas
  • Prevent, reduce and strictly control inputs of harmful and toxic substances; nutrient inputs into the marine environment through better land, river and sewage management; oil, gas, agreegate and minerarl extraction o Assess, monitor and control other uses of the marine environment such as renewable energy schemes or cable/pipeline installations
• Proper and universal implementation of the precautionary principles so activities proceed only if they are shown not to harm the ocean singly or in combination with other activities.
• Urgent introduction by the UN Security Council and the UN General Assembly of effective governance on the High Seas beyond the jurisdiction of any individual nations.

You can read the BBC‘s coverage of the report here.