This World Oceans Day finds the planet at a unique point in history. We are amid a devastating global pandemic, and in the lead-up to two vital United Nations (UN) declared Decades that will benefit the ocean: the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030) and UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021-2030).
One of the few silver linings to the coronavirus crisis (COVID-19) has been increasing news reports of improved water conditions and air quality. With the temporary suspension of marine and coastal activities, as part of global efforts to fight the spread, there are signs the underwater world is thriving within this momentary respite. It may surprise many that the ocean has also been an ally in the fight against COVID-19. The depths of this immensely rich and vastly dynamic ecosystem is home to the bacteria used to carry out rapid testing to detect the presence of the disease. This again reminds us of the importance of a sustainable ocean and how much we depend on it for our health and well-being. Thus, sustainability is not just about preserving those below the surface, but also the services the ocean provides our planet and humankind.
Several key initiatives such as Seabed 2030, bolstered by the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (in particular, Goal 14: Life Below Water), have ignited an ocean innovation movement. More and more often, we are seeing new tools and emerging technologies that push us closer to our sustainable blue economy goals.
This brings us on to theme for World Oceans Day 2020: Innovation for Sustainable Ocean.
At TSC Publishing, we have the privilege of reporting on the innovation flowing into our ocean from government, science, industry, and defense sectors. Cross-sector collaboration is essential for the development of a global blue economy, and innovation will be critical to secure and maintain a sustainable ocean in the future.
Our publications provide a window into these evolving times and, pleasingly, there are signs we are striding more confidently towards a positive change. An increase in collaborative efforts are bringing us advances in ocean sensors and robotics, emerging observation tools and satellite applications, groundbreaking modeling techniques, new restoration and management approaches, and fresh perspectives that turn decommissioned oilrigs into fish- and coral-friendly habitats.
COVID-19 has not halted the planning of the UN Decades, nor should it slow the recent quickening pace in our efforts to preserve the ocean. Thank you to all those working for a sustainable ocean that will benefit humanity for centuries to come.
We wish you a happy World Oceans Day.
