Ocean Exploration and Conservation: Progress and Challenges Aligned with Sustainable Development Goals

Historical Context and Current Ambitions

Since the establishment of the world’s first marine reserves in the 1920s, significant progress has been made in ocean exploration and conservation. Early limitations, such as the maximum dive depth of approximately 500 feet, have given way to ambitious global initiatives inspired by the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science (2021-2030). These initiatives aim to map the entire seafloor and identify 100,000 new marine species by 2030, aligning closely with SDG 14: Life Below Water, which emphasizes the sustainable use and conservation of oceans, seas, and marine resources.

Global Commitments and Financial Support

• At the recent United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC), key financial commitments were announced to support ocean preservation.
• Efforts include pausing deep-sea mining, expanding marine protected areas (MPAs), and advancing the High Seas Treaty to protect marine life in international waters.
• French Polynesia pledged to protect 900,000 square kilometers of marine territory, demonstrating leadership in marine conservation.

These actions contribute directly to achieving SDG 14 and support interconnected goals such as SDG 13: Climate Action and SDG 15: Life on Land by preserving biodiversity and mitigating climate impacts.

Importance of Ocean Conservation for Sustainable Development

Despite advances, much remains to be discovered about the ocean’s role in sustaining life on Earth. Continued efforts in marine conservation, research, and exploration are essential to maintain momentum post-UNOC. The involvement of governments, civil society, and private sectors is critical to safeguarding ocean health.

Benefits of Marine Protected Areas

1. Studies demonstrate that MPAs increase fish catch volumes, including economically valuable species such as bigeye and yellowfin tuna, supporting a $40 billion global industry.
2. MPAs contribute to rebuilding fish stocks and enhancing income and food security for coastal communities, advancing SDG 1: No Poverty and SDG 2: Zero Hunger.
3. Long-term protection correlates with stronger ecological and economic outcomes.

Challenges and Collaborative Solutions

• Challenges include reversals in protected area policies and rising ocean temperatures due to climate change.
• Philanthropic organizations such as Schmidt Ocean Institute, Dona Bertarelli Philanthropy, and the Bertarelli Foundation are supporting exploration and conservation efforts.
• Public-private partnerships are vital to translating ocean science into effective conservation action.

Case Study: Galapagos Marine Reserve

The Galapagos Islands exemplify successful multi-sector collaboration in marine conservation:

• Protected for 50 years, the marine reserve balances fishing, tourism, and strict protections in sensitive areas.
• Recent expansion added over 23,000 square miles of protected waters through partnerships with neighboring countries.
• A $1.6 billion commercial debt was converted into a $656 million loan, generating $12 million annually for marine conservation in perpetuity.
• Technological innovations like the Global Fishing Watch Marine Manager provide open-source data to support conservation and policy.

This initiative supports SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals by fostering international cooperation and sustainable financing mechanisms.

Scientific Discoveries and Public Engagement

Recent expeditions by the Schmidt Ocean Institute’s research vessel Falkor (too) revealed previously unknown coral reefs and hydrothermal vent fields near the Galapagos. These discoveries, livestreamed globally, enhance public awareness and contribute to scientific knowledge critical for ocean health.

Such transparency and data sharing promote informed decision-making and community engagement, supporting SDG 4: Quality Education and SDG 14.

Broader Impact of Marine Protected Areas

Research on California’s network of 59 MPAs shows increased abundance and size of fish species, even with varying levels of activity restrictions. Stronger protections yielded more significant ecological benefits, reinforcing the importance of effective management for sustainable fisheries and biodiversity conservation.

Conclusion: Advancing Ocean Health for a Sustainable Future

The continued exploration and protection of oceans generate economic, environmental, and scientific benefits, creating a virtuous cycle that supports multiple Sustainable Development Goals. Philanthropic leadership and robust data-driven approaches lay the foundation for accountability and action. Collective efforts from policymakers, experts, advocates, and the global community are essential to achieving a healthy ocean and planet.

Dona Bertarelli is Executive Chair of Dona Bertarelli Philanthropy and Co-Chair of the Bertarelli Foundation. Wendy Schmidt is Co-Founder and President of the Schmidt Ocean Institute and Co-Founder of Schmidt Sciences.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 14: Life Below Water – The article focuses extensively on ocean exploration, marine conservation, marine protected areas, and sustainable use of ocean resources.
2. SDG 13: Climate Action – References to warming ocean waters and the impact of climate change on marine ecosystems connect to climate action efforts.
3. SDG 15: Life on Land – Indirectly connected through the protection of biodiversity and ecosystems, such as the Galapagos Islands’ endemic species.
4. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – The article highlights collaborations among governments, philanthropies, and private sectors to advance ocean science and conservation.
5. SDG 2: Zero Hunger – The article mentions food security benefits from marine protected areas supporting fisheries.
6. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – Economic benefits from sustainable fisheries and marine tourism are discussed.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 14 Targets:
   • Target 14.2: Sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts.
   • Target 14.5: Conserve at least 10% of coastal and marine areas by 2020 through marine protected areas (MPAs).
   • Target 14.3: Minimize and address the impacts of ocean acidification.
   • Target 14.6: Prohibit certain forms of fisheries subsidies that contribute to overcapacity and overfishing.
   • Target 14.a: Increase scientific knowledge, research capacity, and transfer marine technology.
2. SDG 13 Targets:
   • Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters.
3. SDG 15 Targets:
   • Target 15.1: Ensure conservation of terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems, which is linked to biodiversity protection in island ecosystems like the Galapagos.
4. SDG 17 Targets:
   • Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private, and civil society partnerships.
5. SDG 2 Targets:
   • Target 2.1: End hunger and ensure access to safe, nutritious, and sufficient food all year round.
6. SDG 8 Targets:
   • Target 8.9: Promote sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Marine Protected Areas Coverage – The article references expansion of marine protected areas (e.g., French Polynesia protecting 900,000 square kilometers, Ecuador expanding Galapagos reserve by 23,000 square miles), which relates to the indicator measuring the proportion of marine areas protected.
2. Fish Stock and Catch Data – Studies cited show increases in fish catch and stock in protected areas, which can be measured by indicators tracking fish biomass and sustainable fishery yields.
3. Financial Commitments and Investments – Financial deals and funding for marine conservation (e.g., Ecuador’s debt conversion financing $12 million annually for conservation) imply indicators related to financial resources mobilized for ocean protection.
4. Scientific Research Outputs – Number of new species identified, mapping of seafloor, and discoveries like coral reefs and hydrothermal vents relate to indicators on scientific knowledge and technology transfer.
5. Climate Impact Indicators – References to warming ocean waters and coral bleaching imply indicators measuring ocean temperature changes and coral reef health.
6. Partnerships and Collaboration – The role of multi-sector partnerships suggests indicators tracking the number and effectiveness of partnerships for sustainable development.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: time.com