
Over 70% of our planet’s surface is made up of oceans, which are essential to the survival of life on Earth and the provision of natural resources including food, materials, chemicals, and energy. Because Marine Protected Areas increase fish catches and revenue, they help reduce poverty. Even though the seas are extremely important, decades of careless exploitation have caused a startling degree of pollution. According to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, there may be more plastic in the oceans than fish by 2050. Therefore, immediate international action is needed to reverse the loss of marine biodiversity and pollution.