Marine Biological Association
This FACTS page is produced with the help of the UK based Marine Biological Association (MBA). Feel free to use the information for your essay, speech, article, social media post or just the average conversation with that one family member who’s still ignoring the climate change.
MBA is one of the world’s longest running societies dedicated to promoting research into our oceans and the life they support. Since 1884 MBA has provided an independent voice on behalf of the marine biological community. In over 40 countries a growing number of over 2000 members are involved. MBA also runs a leading marine biological research laboratory where many eminent scientists, including 7 Nobel prize winners – have carried out their research. We’re proud that the MBA decided to support OceanLove, providing knowledge, networking and promotional efforts, such as the OceanLove logo that is designed for us by the MBA.
Swipe through the facts
Change is already taking place!
1. Marine protected areas have risen from 0.9% of the ocean in 2000 to 7.4%
2. Fishing practices around the globe are becoming more sustainable, while the destruction of invaluable ecosystems such as seagrass meadows and mangroves is almost at a halt. In some places these habitats are even being restored.
3. Populations of humpback whales have surged following the ban on commercial whaling introduced in the 1980s.
4. A beach in India becomes a turtle nesting site following the removal of several decades’ worth of pollution. In 2015, Versova beach, India, saw the world’s largest beach clean up where volunteers removed approximately 4000 tonnes of rubbish from 2.5km of sand over the course of 85 weeks. Previously inaccessible for several decades due to pollution, the beach became a nesting site for Olive Ridley turtles only two years after the clean up.
5. Following decades of conservation efforts, coral reefs in an American Samoan island have begun recovering: In 1978 a crown-of-thorns starfish outbreak destroyed 90% of the coral reefs in Tutuila. However, several conservation measures implemented by islanders over the years has led to the recovery of 36% of the reef. These include the establishment of the Fagatele Bay National Marine Sanctuary in 1986, restrictions on the dumping of pollutants, and fishing restrictions which include a ban on spearfishing in 2000.
Can we restore abundance within one generation?
Yes we can! By restoring kelp forests and adopting sustainable fishing practices and pushing back all forms of pollution, we can have a huge impact on our ocean’s ecosystem. As Sir David Attenborough expressed, “In my life, I witnessed a terrible decline. In yours, you could and should witness a wonderful recovery!”