Ocean under pressure

Each year, the ocean faces more (and more complex) challenges, such as:

Image credit: Ian (Australia’s ocean art competition entry)

Ocean with island rock in the background
artwork of under the ocean

Activities on land can also stress ocean ecosystems if they’re not managed well. These activities can include:

Image credit: Nate (Australia’s ocean art competition winner, 11-17 years old category)

We’re still learning how these pressures interact and compound. This is a challenge for sustainable management of our ocean.

Research by the High Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy has found that declining ocean health could cost the global economy:

  • more than $622 billion annually by 2050
  • up to $3.1 trillion annually by 2100.
Two people walking away down the beach
Image of bleached coral

Pressures on the ocean affect all of us, especially people who rely on it for their:

  • livelihoods
  • culture
  • health and wellbeing.

Marine industries are facing challenges such as:

  • competition for space from existing and new industries
  • evolving laws and regulations
  • species migrating to cooler waters because of increasing temperatures.

To thrive, these industries also need the goodwill and support of:

  • local communities
  • governments
  • investors.

Image credit: Eric Matson/Australian Institute of Marine Science

All ocean users have a shared interest in taking the pressure off our ocean. This includes everyone from governments and business to occasional beachgoers.

Sustainable use will safeguard the ocean to ensure:

  • the future of marine industries
  • the prosperity of coastal communities
  • the continuing richness and vitality of ecosystems
  • future generations can enjoy the ocean’s benefits, beauty and wonder.

Discover how we’re partnering for our ocean

Image credit: Queensland Tourism and Events

Five people snorkelling with a boat in the background