Over exploitation

The human activities are taking a terrible toll on the world's oceans and seas. Vulnerable marine ecosystems such as corals and important fisheries are being damaged by over exploitation, destructive fishing practices, invasive alien species and marine pollution. This trend is further worsening with increased sea temperatures, sea-level rise and ocean acidification caused by climate change pose a further threat to marine life, coastal and island communities and national economies. These apart, smuggling of illegal drugs and the trafficking of persons by sea are further examples of how criminal activities threaten the peace and security of the oceans. The existing legal framework to crack down hard on this type of activities must be further heightened at international level. Governments alone cannot protect the oceans and it is left to you to do your bit for the health of the oceans.