Historical Insights into Marine Ecosystem Changes and Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction to the Piscatorial Atlas and Marine Historical Ecology

The National Maritime Museum Cornwall in Falmouth houses the Piscatorial Atlas, authored by Ole Theodor Olsen in 1883. This extensive volume features 50 illustrated charts detailing fish species locations and fishing methods around Great Britain during the 19th century. The atlas compiles knowledge from fishermen of that era, offering valuable historical data.

Accessible online, the atlas serves as a vital resource for understanding marine ecosystems’ historical states. The study of marine historical ecology, which utilizes such archives, is crucial for assessing changes in ocean ecosystems and aligns with the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14: Life Below Water, which aims to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources.

Marine Ecosystem Decline and Historical Context

Recent decades have witnessed significant declines in fisheries, degradation of coastal habitats, and loss of large predators due to exploitation, coastal development, pollution, and climate change. These challenges correspond with SDG 13: Climate Action and SDG 15: Life on Land, as terrestrial activities impact marine environments.

Historical records reveal that many detrimental impacts began long ago, notably with the 19th-century introduction of steam power, which intensified marine exploitation. Understanding these historical pressures is essential for developing sustainable management practices in line with SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.

Transformation of Marine Ecosystems: The Case of Native Oysters

Historical Abundance and Decline

The Piscatorial Atlas includes a detailed chart of the native oyster (Ostrea edulis), illustrating their once widespread presence, particularly in the southern North Sea. This ecosystem, now classified as collapsed, highlights the severe loss of biodiversity and habitat degradation over time.

The decline of oyster reefs exemplifies the challenges addressed by SDG 14, emphasizing the need for restoration and conservation of marine habitats.

Research and Restoration Efforts

Recent collaborative research utilizing historical sources across Europe has revealed the extensive historical range of native oyster habitats, which supported diverse marine species. This research supports SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, demonstrating the importance of international collaboration in marine conservation.

Efforts to restore oyster reefs contribute directly to SDG 14 by enhancing marine biodiversity and ecosystem services.

Broader Impacts on Marine Ecosystems and Sustainable Management

Technological Advances and Environmental Pressures

• Expansion of trawling and increased fishing efficiency since the 19th century have intensified pressure on marine species.
• Industrialization has led to increased sediment and pollutant runoff and coastal development, further stressing marine ecosystems.
• Regulatory frameworks have struggled to keep pace with these changes, highlighting the need for improved governance under SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions.

Addressing Collective Societal Amnesia

Historical amnesia regarding marine ecosystem losses has hindered conservation efforts. Utilizing historical data and archives makes these transformations visible, aiding in the development of informed conservation strategies aligned with SDG 4: Quality Education, by raising awareness and knowledge.

Lessons from the Past for Future Ocean Sustainability

1. Understanding historical marine ecosystems provides benchmarks for restoration and conservation.
2. Recognizing the economic and cultural benefits of healthy marine ecosystems supports sustainable development.
3. Incorporating historical perspectives informs policy and management decisions to achieve SDG 14 targets.

By learning from the past, societies can visualize and pursue sustainable futures that enhance marine biodiversity, ecosystem services, and human well-being.

Additional Resources

• Listen to Secrets of the Sea episode six presented by Anna Turns for The Conversation: BBC Sounds.
• Subscribe to The Conversation’s weekly climate newsletter, Imagine, for in-depth climate issues: Subscribe here.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed

1. SDG 14: Life Below Water
   • The article focuses extensively on marine ecosystems, fishery declines, habitat degradation, and the collapse of native oyster populations, all of which directly relate to the conservation and sustainable use of oceans, seas, and marine resources.
2. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Climate change is mentioned as one of the pressures on marine ecosystems, indicating a connection to efforts to combat climate change and its impacts.
3. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • While primarily about marine life, the article also discusses coastal habitat degradation and land-based activities such as sediment and pollutant run-off, linking to the protection and restoration of terrestrial ecosystems and their services.
4. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • The article highlights overexploitation of marine resources and the failure of regulations to keep up with sustainable management, which relates to sustainable consumption and production patterns.

2. Specific Targets Under the Identified SDGs

1. SDG 14: Life Below Water
   • Target 14.2: Sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, and take action for their restoration.
   • Target 14.4: Effectively regulate harvesting and end overfishing, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, and destructive fishing practices.
   • Target 14.5: Conserve at least 10% of coastal and marine areas, consistent with national and international law.
2. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.
3. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Target 15.1: Ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services.
4. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • Target 12.2: Achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.
   • Target 12.4: Achieve environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Indicators for SDG 14:
   • Extent and condition of native oyster habitats and reefs (implied through historical and current mapping and ecological assessments).
   • Fish stock levels and trends in fishery declines (implied through references to fishery declines and exploitation rates).
   • Area of marine protected areas (implied through conservation and restoration efforts).
2. Indicators for SDG 13:
   • Measures of ecosystem resilience to climate change impacts (implied through discussion of climate change effects on marine ecosystems).
3. Indicators for SDG 15:
   • Extent of coastal habitat degradation and restoration (implied through references to sediment and pollutant run-off and habitat loss).
4. Indicators for SDG 12:
   • Regulation and enforcement measures for sustainable fishing practices (implied through discussion of regulatory failures and overexploitation).
   • Levels of pollution and sediment run-off affecting marine ecosystems.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: theconversation.com