Global marine population slashed in half since 1970: WWF

For instance, some 58 populations of 17 species belonging to the Scrombidae family – mackerels, tunas and sardines – have fallen by 74 per cent between 1970 and 2010, with no signs of recovery, the report says.

WWF Scotland director Lang Banks said: “Our oceans and seas are some the most wonderful parts of our planet, and this report is a stark reminder as to what would be at risk if we do not begin to turn things around”.

A report prepared by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and Zoological Society in London has revealed that human activity has irreversibly damaged the ocean and its eco system owing to destructive practices and catching fish faster than certain species are capable of reproducing, the BBC reported. “Profound changes are needed to ensure abundant ocean life for future generations”.

Whether it’s overfishing, marine pollution, loss of coastal habitats like mangroves, or the ever growing threat of climate change and ocean acidification, there are plenty of reasons for this disturbing decline-and I suspect most TreeHugger readers are familiar with the disastrous way that human beings have managed our oceans.

Some 5,829 populations from 1,234 species were tracked during the WWF analysis and that represents almost twice the numbers involved in past studies.

Global climate, in particular, is one of the major drivers causing the ocean to change more rapidly than at any other point in millions of years.

The report from WFF shows further that apart from fish, steep declines have been seen in mangroves, coral reefs, seagrasses that provide support to fish species. “Considering the ocean’s vital role in our economies and its essential contribution to food security – particularly for poor, coastal communities – that’s simply unacceptable”. The equation is simple.

However, the report noted much of the activity threatening the ocean is avoidable and solutions exist to change the scenario.

The new report highlights the need for conservation strategies.

Earlier this year, an independent study by WWF found that every dollar invested to create marine protected areas could produce three-folded benefits through factors such as employment, protection of the coast, and fishing.

WWF believes it is essential for both the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development that governments will agree on this month as the United Nations climate summit in Paris to address issues such as habitat destruction, overfishing, illegal fishing and marine pollution. Keeping in mind the projected levels of warming and ocean acidification, all coral reefs are likely to be lost by 2050.