Report on Ocean Acidification and its Implications for Sustainable Development Goals

Critical Threshold Surpassed: A Challenge to SDG 14

A report by scientists from the Plymouth Marine Laboratory and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) confirms that the critical threshold for ocean acidification was crossed more than five years ago. This development signifies a present-day crisis, directly undermining the objectives of Sustainable Development Goal 14 (Life Below Water), which aims to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources.

Ecological Impacts and Threats to Marine Biodiversity

The accelerated rate of ocean acidification presents a severe threat to marine ecosystems, directly impacting several targets within SDG 14. The primary consequences include:

• Degradation of Calcifying Organisms: Increased acidity impedes the ability of species such as corals, molluscs, crabs, and pteropods to form and maintain their calcium carbonate shells and skeletons.
• Disruption of Marine Food Chains: The decline of these foundational species causes cascading effects throughout the marine food web, threatening overall ecosystem stability.
• Alteration of Fish Behaviour: Acidification affects the navigation, feeding, and reproductive patterns of various fish species, further disrupting ecosystem dynamics.
• Acceleration of Coral Bleaching: The stress from acidic conditions contributes significantly to the frequency and severity of coral bleaching events, jeopardizing the integrity of vital reef habitats.

Socio-Economic Consequences and Linkages to Global Goals

The disruption of marine ecosystems has profound socio-economic ramifications, creating significant obstacles to achieving multiple Sustainable Development Goals.

1. SDG 1 (No Poverty) & SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth): The global fishing industry, a critical source of income for millions, is directly threatened by declining fish populations and ecosystem instability. This jeopardizes livelihoods and local economies dependent on marine resources.
2. SDG 2 (Zero Hunger): As a vital source of protein for communities worldwide, the decline in fish stocks poses a direct threat to global food security.
3. SDG 13 (Climate Action): Ocean acidification is a direct consequence of increased atmospheric carbon dioxide. Addressing this issue is intrinsically linked to climate action, as mitigating CO2 emissions is essential to slowing the rate of acidification and protecting marine life.

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 14: Life Below Water

  This is the most directly relevant goal. The article’s central theme is ocean acidification and its severe impacts on marine species (corals, molluscs, crabs), food chains, and overall ecosystem health, which are core concerns of SDG 14.

• SDG 2: Zero Hunger

  The article connects ocean acidification to a “serious threat to the global fishing industry,” which it describes as a “vital source of food for millions.” This directly links the environmental issue to global food security, a key aspect of SDG 2.

• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

  By highlighting the threat to the global fishing industry, the article also touches upon the economic dimension. The industry is described as a “vital source of… income for millions,” linking the health of marine ecosystems to the livelihoods and economic stability addressed in SDG 8.

• SDG 13: Climate Action

  Although not explicitly mentioned, ocean acidification is a direct consequence of increased atmospheric carbon dioxide, the primary driver of climate change. The article’s discussion of a “planetary boundary” being crossed implies the broader context of climate change, making SDG 13 relevant.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. Target 14.3: Minimize and address the impacts of ocean acidification, including through enhanced scientific cooperation at all levels.

   This is the most explicit target. The article is entirely focused on the impacts of ocean acidification, describing it as a “present-day crisis.” It also mentions the scientific findings from leading institutions like the Plymouth Marine Laboratory and NOAA, pointing to the element of scientific cooperation.

2. Target 14.2: By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts…

   The article details significant adverse impacts, such as “coral bleaching,” “population declines” of key species, and the disruption of “entire marine food chains.” These are direct examples of the ecosystem degradation that Target 14.2 aims to prevent and address.

3. Target 14.4: By 2020, effectively regulate harvesting and end overfishing… in order to restore fish stocks…

   The article implies a threat to this target by stating that acidification alters fish behavior, “affecting their navigation, feeding, and reproduction.” This disruption directly impacts the biological sustainability of fish stocks, which is the focus of Target 14.4.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator 14.3.1: Average marine acidity (pH) measured at agreed suite of representative sampling stations.

  This indicator is directly referenced in the article. The text states that the “critical threshold for ocean acidification was surpassed” and discusses the “increase in ocean acidity.” These are direct measurements related to marine pH levels.

• Implied Indicator: Health and coverage of marine ecosystems (e.g., coral reefs).

  While not a formal indicator number, the article’s mention of “coral bleaching” and the impact on “corals, molluscs, crabs, and pteropods” implies that the health and population status of these key habitat-forming and food-web species serve as a measure of ecosystem health, relevant to Target 14.2.

• Implied Indicator: Sustainability and productivity of fish stocks.

  The article’s reference to altered fish “reproduction” and the “threat to the global fishing industry” implies that the status of fish stocks is a key metric. This aligns with the intent of Indicator 14.4.1 (Proportion of fish stocks within biologically sustainable levels).

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: nationthailand.com