Oceans cover more than 70% of the Earth's surface, and seawater accounts for 97% of global water resources. Over 40% of the world's population lives on coastlines within 100 kilometers of the sea, providing an average of about 17 kilograms of protein per person per year. The marine-related economy generates $3-6 trillion annually, making its contribution to humanity undeniable. However, the pressure and damage to the marine environment caused by human use are becoming increasingly severe, including ocean acidification due to climate change and various forms of pollution.
Therefore, the Ocean Health Index (OHI), an objective and quantifiable methodology for assessing the current state of the ocean, has emerged amidst widespread anticipation. The OHI is a comprehensive system for evaluating and monitoring ocean health from multiple perspectives. It integrates and scientifically analyzes research data, assessing ocean productivity across 10 indicators: food provision, artisanal fishing opportunity, natural products, carbon storage, coastal protection, coastal livelihoods and economies, tourism and recreation, sense of place, clean waters, and biodiversity. Each indicator is scored out of 100. Through these scoring systems, the OHI aims to encourage collaboration among the public, government, and businesses to improve weak links in ocean health, providing a balanced and objective assessment of ocean health from ecological, social, and economic perspectives, thus laying the foundation for sustainability.
In the 2013 OHI score, natural resource products (31) had the lowest score, while securing fisheries employment (95) had the highest score. The remaining scores were for: food supply (33), carbon sinks (74), safe coastlines (69), marine economy and jobs (82), tourism and holidays (39), sense of belonging to the region (60), clean oceans (78), and biodiversity (85).
The food supply indicator, which scored the second lowest, includes wild fishing and mariculture (meaning the cultivation of marine life in open marine environments). Seafood is a vital source of human food, providing one-third of the world's protein needs. Therefore, this indicator is the most important for human sustainability. A higher chance of resource sustainability results in a higher score; in other words, a lower probability of overfishing. Conversely, severe cases of bycatch or accidental catches will lower the score.
Scientists predict that by 2050, our food demand will increase by 70% to cope with the global population growth. However, given the already low percentage of marine food supply, if marine health does not improve significantly, humanity will face food shortages.
Sources: Eco-Business (2013-10-16) (Compiled by PIDC)
