Scientists Explain Plans To Replenish Marine Life In 30 Years

Environmental scientists have laid out a detailed plan that they believe could fully restore underwater ecosystems by 2050. According to the scientists, replenishing Earth’s marine life will help achieve a sustainable future.

Due to various factors such as global warming and pollution caused by humans, scientists have warned that the ecosystems of the world’s oceans are in danger of suffering from irreversible damage.

For a group of scientists, there is still a chance that marine life can be restored. Through a detailed plan, which was presented in a study published in Nature, the scientists intend to restore the marine ecosystems of the world within three decades. Their plan is based on past conservation efforts and the documented recover of marine habitats.

“Our study documents recovery of marine populations, habitats and ecosystems following past conservation interventions,” marine scientist Carlos Duarte of the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology in Saudi Arabia said in a statement. “It provides specific, evidence-based recommendations to scale proven solutions globally.”

From previous reports, the scientists identified the key factors that can help in restoring marine ecosystems. These include revitalizing the populations of specific marine habitats and features that have been declining over the past decades.

These include salt marshes, seagrasses, kelp, mangroves, oyster reefs, megafauna and fisheries. According to the scientists, focusing on the recovery of these factors would soon improve the conditions of other aspects of marine ecosystems.

For instance, revitalizing salt marshes and sea grasses can lock away carbon from the atmosphere, which could decrease the rising ocean temperatures. Also, increasing the number of areas filled with mangroves will not only provide new habitats for marine animals but will also serve as protective barriers against waves and floods.

Once these factors have been revitalized, the world could start focusing on another aspect that scientists refer to as recovery wedges. These aspects are mainly about the protection and conservation of the ecosystems. According to the scientists, the six recovery wedges that people should focus on are protecting species, harvesting wisely, protecting spaces, restoring habitats, reducing pollution and mitigating climate change.

Once these factors have been followed, the scientists believe that the Earth’s marine life will be fully restored by 2050.

“Rebuilding marine life represents a doable grand challenge for humanity, an ethical obligation and a smart economic objective to achieve a sustainable future,” Susana Agusti, the co-author of the study said in a statement.