Rebuilding marine life

Journal Publication ResearchOnline@JCU
Duarte, Carlos M.;Agusti, Susana;Barbier, Edward;Britten, Gregory;Carlos Castilla, Juan;Gattuso, Jean-Pierre;Fulweiler, Robinson W.;Hughes, Terry P.;Knowlton, Nancy;Lovelock, Catherine E.;Lotze, Heike K.;Predragovic, Milica;Poloczanska, Elvira;Roberts, Callum;Worm, Boris
Terry Hughes
Abstract

Sustainable Development Goal 14 of the United Nations aims to "conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development". Achieving this goal will require rebuilding the marine life-support systems that deliver the many benefits that society receives from a healthy ocean. Here we document the recovery of marine populations, habitats and ecosystems following past conservation interventions. Recovery rates across studies suggest that substantial recovery of the abundance, structure and function of marine life could be achieved by 2050, if major pressures-including climate change-are mitigated. Rebuilding marine life represents a doable Grand Challenge for humanity, an ethical obligation and a smart economic objective to achieve a sustainable future.

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580

ISBN/ISSN

0028-0836

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Issue

7801

Pages Count

13

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Publisher

Macmillan Publishers Ltd

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DOI

10.1038/s41586-020-2146-7