10 Key Takeaways from the Transformative Ocean Conference 2025

The ocean is the lifeblood of our planet, covering over 70% of its surface. It is home to an incredible diversity of life, from the smallest plankton to the largest whales. The ocean also plays a vital role in regulating the Earth’s climate and providing us with food, energy, and other resources. However, the ocean is under threat from a variety of human activities, including pollution, overfishing, and climate change. These threats are putting the health of the ocean and the well-being of all who depend on it at risk.

The Our Ocean Conference is a global gathering of leaders from government, business, and civil society who are committed to protecting the ocean. The conference provides a platform for these leaders to share their knowledge and expertise, and to work together to develop solutions to the challenges facing the ocean.

The 2025 Our Ocean Conference will be held in Lisbon, Portugal. The conference will bring together over 500 leaders from around the world to discuss the most pressing issues facing the ocean. The conference will focus on four key themes: sustainable fishing, marine pollution, climate change, and ocean acidification. The conference will also provide a platform for leaders to announce new commitments and initiatives to protect the ocean.

The Imperative for Ocean Health in the 21st Century

The Declining Health of the Oceans

In the 21st century, the health of the oceans is facing unprecedented challenges. Overfishing, pollution, climate change, and habitat destruction are all taking a heavy toll on marine life and ecosystems. The decline in ocean health is a major threat not only to the oceans themselves but also to the entire planet.

The oceans play a crucial role in regulating the Earth’s climate. They absorb and store carbon dioxide, helping to stabilize atmospheric temperature. They also produce oxygen, providing the essential gas that all life on Earth depends on. The decline in ocean health is disrupting these vital functions, putting the entire planet at risk.

In addition, the oceans are a major source of food and income for billions of people around the world. Fishing provides livelihood for millions of fishermen and supports many coastal communities. The decline in ocean health is threatening this important food source, as well as the economic well-being of the people who depend on it.

The oceans also provide numerous other benefits to humans. They regulate coastal weather patterns, protect coastlines from erosion, and offer a range of recreational opportunities. The decline in ocean health is diminishing these benefits, making it more difficult for humans to enjoy and benefit from the oceans.

Threats to Ocean Health	Consequences
Overfishing	Decline in fish populations, disruption of marine food webs
Pollution	Contamination of water and sediments, harm to marine life
Climate change	Ocean acidification, sea level rise, increased storm intensity
Habitat destruction	Loss of coral reefs, seagrass beds, and other critical habitats

Unveiling the Mysteries of the Deep: Scientific Breakthroughs in Ocean Exploration

Advances in Underwater Exploration Technologies

The past decade has witnessed remarkable advancements in underwater exploration technologies. Autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) equipped with advanced sensors and cameras have enabled us to venture into previously inaccessible depths and capture unprecedented footage of marine life and underwater ecosystems. Remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) have become more sophisticated, providing researchers with the ability to manipulate tools and conduct experiments on the seafloor remotely.

In addition, the development of specialized diving equipment, such as submersibles and rebreathers, has extended the range and duration of human exploration. These advancements have paved the way for detailed studies of deep-sea hydrothermal vents, submarine canyons, and other enigmatic underwater habitats.

Mapping the Uncharted Ocean Floor

One of the most significant breakthroughs in ocean exploration has been the rapid progress in mapping the ocean floor. Satellite altimetry, which uses radar to measure the height of the sea surface, has provided a global view of the ocean’s depths. This data has revealed previously unknown features, such as underwater mountains, canyons, and vast abyssal plains.

Multibeam sonar systems mounted on research vessels have complemented satellite altimetry by providing high-resolution maps of the ocean floor. These systems emit sound waves that reflect off the seafloor and produce detailed images of underwater topography. As a result, we now have a much better understanding of the distribution and characteristics of deep-sea habitats.

Exploration Technique	Advancements	Impact
Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs)	Enhanced sensing, navigation, and endurance	Extended exploration range and depth
Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs)	Improved dexterity and manipulation capabilities	Enabled hands-on experiments and observations
Satellite Altimetry	Global mapping of ocean depths	Revealed previously unknown underwater features
Multibeam Sonar	High-resolution mapping of ocean floor topography	Enhanced understanding of deep-sea habitats

Climate Change and Oceans: The Urgency of Mitigation and Adaptation

Sea Level Rise and Coastal Erosion

As the global climate warms, ocean waters expand and glaciers melt, leading to a rise in sea levels. This rise poses significant threats to coastal communities and ecosystems. Rising sea levels can erode beaches, damage infrastructure, and increase the risk of flooding. In some areas, coastal erosion may force communities to relocate inland, disrupting livelihoods and cultural heritage.

Ocean Acidification

The increasing absorption of carbon dioxide (CO2) into the oceans leads to a decrease in pH, causing ocean acidification. Acidic waters can dissolve the shells and skeletons of marine organisms, such as shellfish, corals, and plankton. These organisms form the foundation of marine food webs, and their decline can have cascading effects on entire ecosystems.

Extreme Weather Events

Climate change is intensifying the frequency and severity of extreme weather events, such as hurricanes, cyclones, and storms. These events can generate powerful waves that erode coastlines, destroy ecosystems, and damage infrastructure. Additionally, increased precipitation and flooding can lead to runoff of pollutants and nutrients into coastal waters, harming marine life and human health.

Impact	Example
Coastal erosion	Loss of beaches, destruction of dunes, damage to infrastructure
Ocean acidification	Dissolution of shellfish shells, coral bleaching, reduced plankton production
Extreme weather events	Erosive waves, coastal flooding, nutrient runoff

Sustainable Fisheries: Harnessing Ocean Resources Responsibly

Responsible Fishing Practices

Implementing responsible fishing practices is crucial for the long-term sustainability of our oceans. These practices include:

Using selective fishing gear to minimize bycatch
Observing closed seasons and areas to protect vulnerable species
Enacting fair quotas to prevent overfishing
Educating fishers about sustainable fishing techniques

Seafood Traceability and Certification

Ensuring traceability and certification in the seafood supply chain is essential for consumers to make informed choices. This involves:

Implementing robust systems to track seafood from catch to consumption
Developing and enforcing sustainability standards for fishing operations
Promoting certification programs that recognize responsible fisheries

Aquaculture and Mariculture

Aquaculture and mariculture offer a promising avenue for meeting the growing demand for seafood while reducing pressure on wild stocks. However, it is imperative to ensure that these practices are conducted sustainably:

Selecting suitable species that can be raised in environmentally responsible ways
Employing efficient feed and water management systems
Minimizing waste and pollution from aquaculture operations
Regulating and monitoring aquaculture activities to prevent negative environmental impacts

Community-Based Fisheries Management

Engaging local communities in fisheries management is vital for long-term sustainability. This approach involves:

Empowering local communities to participate in decision-making
Recognizing traditional fishing practices and knowledge
Providing education and training to enable communities to manage their fisheries effectively
Promoting co-management arrangements between communities and government agencies

Criteria	Indicator
Fishing Mortality	Percent of stocks fished at or below sustainable levels
Ecosystem Impacts	Amount of bycatch per unit of catch
Economic Sustainability	Profitability of fishing operations
Social Responsibility	Number of jobs in the fishing industry

Ocean Acidification: A Threat to Marine Ecosystems

What is Ocean Acidification?

Ocean acidification occurs when the ocean’s pH decreases, making it more acidic. This is primarily caused by the absorption of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere into the oceans.

Causes of Ocean Acidification

The main cause of ocean acidification is the burning of fossil fuels, which releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Deforestation and agricultural practices that release carbon dioxide also contribute to the problem.

Impacts on Marine Organisms

The increased acidity of the ocean waters has severe impacts on marine organisms:

Reduced calcification: Organisms that form shells and skeletons, such as corals and mollusks, have difficulty building and maintaining their structures.
Impaired sensory capabilities: Acidic waters can disrupt chemical cues and sensory organs, affecting foraging and predator-prey interactions.
Behavioral changes: Some species exhibit altered behaviors, such as reduced reproduction and increased aggression, due to the effects of acidification.
Developmental abnormalities: Acidic conditions can lead to developmental deformities and reduced survival rates in young organisms.
Reduced biodiversity: As acidification progresses, it threatens the survival of many marine species, leading to a potential loss of biodiversity.
Coral reefs decline: Coral reefs are particularly vulnerable to acidification, as they rely on calcium carbonate to build their structures. Acidic waters dissolve these structures, causing coral bleaching and reef degradation.

Consequence
Loss of fishery resources
Collapse of marine ecosystems
Threat to human communities reliant on seafood

Mitigation Strategies

Addressing ocean acidification requires a multi-faceted approach:

Reduce emissions: Reducing fossil fuel consumption and promoting renewable energy sources helps mitigate carbon dioxide emissions.
Protect and restore coastal ecosystems: Mangroves, seagrass beds, and kelp forests absorb carbon dioxide, providing a natural buffer against acidification.
Research and monitoring: Ongoing research and monitoring efforts are essential for tracking the impacts of acidification and developing adaptation strategies.
International cooperation: Global cooperation is crucial to address the transboundary nature of ocean acidification and implement effective mitigation strategies.

Blue Carbon: The Role of Oceans in Climate Change Mitigation

What is Blue Carbon?

Blue carbon refers to carbon captured and stored by ocean and coastal ecosystems, including mangroves, seagrasses, and salt marshes. These ecosystems play a crucial role in regulating the Earth’s climate by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and storing it in their biomass and sediments.

Importance of Blue Carbon

Blue carbon ecosystems provide a natural carbon sink, helping to mitigate climate change by reducing greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere. They also offer other benefits, such as coastal protection, biodiversity support, and water purification.

Mangroves: Carbon Powerhouses

Mangroves are highly efficient carbon sequesters. They accumulate organic matter in their roots and soil, which can remain stored for centuries. Mangroves also create favorable conditions for the growth of seagrasses and other carbon-absorbing organisms.

Seagrasses: Underwater Carbon Reservoirs

Seagrasses are marine flowering plants that form dense meadows along coastlines. They capture carbon through their photosynthesis and store it in their rhizomes and sediments. Seagrass meadows also provide food and shelter for various marine life.

Salt Marshes: Coastal Carbon Champions

Salt marshes are coastal wetlands dominated by salt-tolerant plants. They trap sediment and organic matter, which accumulates over time, forming carbon-rich soils. Salt marshes also act as natural buffers against storms and flooding.

Additional Benefits of Blue Carbon Ecosystems

In addition to carbon sequestration, blue carbon ecosystems offer numerous other benefits:

Benefit	Example
Coastal protection	Mangroves reduce wave energy and prevent erosion
Biodiversity support	Seagrass meadows provide a habitat for diverse marine species
Water purification	Salt marshes filter pollutants and improve water quality

Empowering Ocean Guardians: Fostering Citizen Science and Ocean Literacy

Citizen Science: Empowering Individuals

Citizen science involves engaging non-scientists in scientific research. By participating in activities such as water quality monitoring, marine debris collection, and species identification, citizens contribute valuable data and gain insights into ocean health.

Ocean Literacy: Building a Foundation

Ocean literacy encompasses the understanding of ocean systems and their importance. Educational programs, outreach initiatives, and media campaigns aim to foster a deeper appreciation for the ocean among all segments of society.

Collaboration and Partnerships

Collaboration among scientists, educators, community organizations, and government agencies is crucial for effective citizen science and ocean literacy initiatives. Partnerships facilitate data sharing, access to resources, and the dissemination of knowledge.

Technology as an Enabler

Smartphones, sensors, and online platforms play a significant role in citizen science. These tools enable data collection, analysis, and sharing, improving the accessibility and efficiency of research.

Data Management and Analysis

Collected data must be effectively managed and analyzed to extract meaningful insights. Collaborative platforms and standardized protocols ensure data consistency and allow for comparisons across different regions and time periods.

Capacity Building and Training

Training programs provide citizen scientists with the necessary skills and knowledge to participate effectively in research projects. Capacity building empowers individuals to make informed decisions and become informed advocates for ocean conservation.

Engaging Youth and Educators

Educational outreach programs tailored to youth and educators are vital for fostering a lifelong commitment to ocean stewardship. Schools, museums, and aquariums offer engaging experiences that inspire future ocean guardians.

Evaluating Impact and Best Practices

Regular evaluation and dissemination of best practices are essential to ensure the effectiveness of citizen science and ocean literacy initiatives. By sharing lessons learned and success stories, we can continuously improve our approaches and maximize their impact.

Citizen Science Project	Data Type
Eyes on the Bay (San Francisco Bay Area)	Water quality monitoring, marine debris collection
Reef Check (global)	Coral reef health assessments
iNaturalist (global)	Species identification and biodiversity data

Our Ocean Conference 2025: A Vision for the Future

The Our Ocean Conference 2025 will bring together world leaders, scientists, businesses, and civil society organizations to work collaboratively towards a sustainable and prosperous future for our oceans. The conference will focus on key issues such as climate change, marine pollution, and overfishing, and will aim to inspire bold commitments and concrete actions to protect and restore our oceans.

The conference will be guided by the following principles:

Science-based: The conference will be informed by the latest scientific research on the state of our oceans and the threats they face.
Action-oriented: The conference will focus on developing concrete solutions and commitments to address the challenges facing our oceans.
Inclusive: The conference will be open to all stakeholders, including governments, businesses, civil society organizations, and local communities.
Collaborative: The conference will foster collaboration and partnerships between different stakeholders to work towards common goals.
Ambitious: The conference will set ambitious goals and strive for transformative change in the way we manage our oceans.