The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 14 (SDG 14) is focused on the conservation and sustainable use of oceans and marine resources. This goal includes preventing and reducing marine pollution, managing and protecting marine ecosystems, addressing ocean acidification, regulating fishing to end overfishing and destructive practices, conserving coastal and marine areas, eliminating harmful fisheries subsidies, and increasing economic benefits for small island developing states and least developed countries from sustainable marine resource use. Additionally, SDG 14 promotes the transfer of marine technology, providing access for small-scale artisanal fishers to marine resources and markets, and emphasizes the importance of implementing international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, as a framework for ocean conservation and sustainable use.
Safeguarding life below water is fraught with challenges. Marine pollution from plastics, chemicals, and other contaminants jeopardizes aquatic ecosystems and biodiversity. Overfishing threatens fish stocks and food security for millions of people. The warming of oceans due to climate change disrupts marine habitats, leading to coral bleaching and species migration. Overcoming these issues necessitates global efforts to reduce plastic waste, implement sustainable fishing practices, and mitigate climate change through emissions reduction. Protecting life below water is essential not only for the health of our oceans but also for the well-being of our planet and future generations.
Below are some organizations making contributions to life below water.
Coastal Resilience and Ecosystem Restoration
Coral Restoration Foundation – Works to restore coral reefs through research, propagation, and transplantation techniques, promoting the health of marine ecosystems and supporting coastal communities.
Marine Conservation and Ecosystem Restoration
Coral Guardian – Uses innovative techniques to grow and restore coral reefs, promoting ecosystem resilience and protecting marine biodiversity.
SeaLegacy – Produces impactful films and campaigns that raise awareness about ocean threats and inspire action for conservation.
OceanRobotics – Develops autonomous underwater vehicles and robots that monitor and protect marine ecosystems, providing valuable data for conservation efforts.
Ocean Data and Monitoring
Saildrone – Deploys autonomous sailing drones equipped with sensors that collect valuable data on ocean conditions, pollution levels, and marine life distribution.
Ocean Plastic Pollution and Waste Management
Ocean Voyages Institute – Develops and operates ocean cleanup systems that remove plastic waste from the Great Pacific Garbage Patch and other polluted areas.
Wasteless World – Provides affordable waste-to-energy solutions, converting plastic waste into clean energy and reducing pollution in the oceans.
Biohm – Creates biodegradable packaging materials from seaweed, offering an alternative to plastic packaging and reducing pollution in marine ecosystems.
Clean Currents – Develops autonomous ocean cleaning robots that collect plastic waste and debris from the ocean, mitigating plastic pollution and protecting marine life.
Circulate Capital – Invests in and supports companies that develop technologies and solutions for preventing plastic waste and advancing a circular economy for plastic.
Policy and Advocacy for Ocean Conservation
Oceana – Conducts research and advocacy campaigns to protect marine life and ecosystems, working to influence policy changes and regulations for sustainable ocean management.
Pacific Coast Conservation Center – Mobilizes communities and stakeholders to protect California’s coast and marine resources through education, advocacy, and science-based solutions.
Global Fishing Watch – Uses satellite data and technology to monitor global fishing activity and combat illegal fishing, promoting sustainable fisheries management.
Sustainable Fishing and Aquaculture
AkvaMind – Develops AI-powered solutions for precision fishing, optimizing fishing practices to reduce bycatch and promote sustainable seafood production.
The Ocean Foundation – Supports sustainable fisheries and aquaculture practices globally, promoting responsible management of marine resources and healthy ecosystems.
BlueNalu – Produces cell-based seafood using fish cell cultures, offering a sustainable alternative to conventional seafood production and reducing pressure on wild fish stocks.
Technology and Data for Ocean Health
MarineTraffic – Provides real-time vessel tracking and data analysis, supporting maritime safety, fisheries management, and pollution monitoring.
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United Nations Sustainable Development Goal #14 (Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development) is part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Read a review of innovative organizations working across other SDGs.
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