The latest research shows that the ocean not only includes the treasure trove of the Gulf of Mexico, but also plays a key role in regulating climate, providing food and energy, and absorbing carbon dioxide. However, pollution, overfishing, climate change and population loss caused by human activities are seriously threatening the stability of marine ecosystems. Plastic pollution penetrates into the deepest parts of the ocean and causes extensive harm to marine life. A report from the United Nations said that if our oceans face a more serious crisis, we will face more serious consequences.

To meet these challenges, Jahan Rockstrom and others proposed a series of sustainable management and protection measures on the 2024 United Nations World Oceans Day. Reducing the emission of plastics and other pollutants is a top priority. This year, many manufacturers have adopted policies to limit single-use plastic products and promote new technologies for plastic recycling. Studies have shown that implementing strict plastic management can reduce plastic pollution in the ocean and thus improve the marine environment.

Establishing and expanding marine protected areas (MPAs) is considered the best way to protect key scales and ecosystem functions in the ocean. The global coverage of marine protected areas has increased over the past decade, but it still has not reached the conservation goals recommended by scientists. In order to achieve the relative benefits of marine protection, marine scientist Sylvia Earle and others suggest that in future marine protected area planning, more attention should be paid to protecting key scales and ecosystem hotspots. Overfishing not only leads to the reduction of aquaculture stocks, but also leads to the balance of the marine food chain. By adopting an ecosystem-based approach to fisheries management, aquaculture resources can be effectively restored and fisheries can be sustainable. This includes measures such as setting fishing obligations, protecting juvenile fish and promoting sustainable development, and promoting selective fishing techniques.

The necessity of international cooperation in marine protection has been repeatedly emphasized. Marine problems do not recognize national boundaries, and the efforts of any single country are difficult to solve global marine problems alone. Institutions such as the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS) and the International Ocean Science Committee (IOC) can promote a deeper understanding of ocean changes and trends through data sharing and joint research. The 2024 United Nations World Oceans Day is not only an opportunity for reflection and learning, but also a starting point for action.