A new Ocean Panel Blue Paper led by REV Ocean Science Director Alex Rogers, increases our understanding of ocean trends by analysing the links between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning (including tipping points for degradation) and unpacks the link between protection and gross domestic product (GDP). In doing so, the paper provides an updated catalogue of marine habitats and biodiversity and outlines five priorities for changing the current trajectory of decline.
Despite advances in understanding how marine species and habitats are distributed in the ocean, trends in marine biodiversity are difficult to ascertain. This results from the very patchy state of knowledge of marine biodiversity, which leads to biases in understanding different geographic areas, groups of species, habitat distribution and patterns of decline.
To address the data gap in our understanding of marine biodiversity and ecosystem integrity, it is crucial to establish the capacity to assess current baselines and trends through survey and monitoring activities. Only increased knowledge and understanding of the above will be able to inform ocean management and conservation strategies capable of reversing the current loss trend in marine biodiversity.