The United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14: Life Below Water aims to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development. Oceans cover over 70% of the Earth's surface and are fundamental to life on our planet. They regulate the climate, provide oxygen, support biodiversity and offer crucial resources for human livelihoods, including food and energy. However, our oceans are under immense pressure from human activities such as pollution, overfishing, habitat destruction and climate change. This has led to degraded marine ecosystems, reduced biodiversity and significant economic losses, especially in coastal communities and small Island nations. Reversing this trend requires collaborative efforts from researchers, marine scientists, private bodies and government agencies. Lately, these entities have been investing resources into advancing ocean science for sustainable development though a variety of innovative solutions.
UN SDG 14: Life Below Water
UN SDG 14 is part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which is made up of 17 goals aimed at fostering economic, social and environmental progress. The primary aim of SDG 14 is to conserve and sustainably use oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development. It recognises that healthy marine ecosystems are essential for achieving long-term environmental balance and socio-economic well-being.
Key Targets of SDG 14:
- Reduce Marine Pollution: Prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, particularly from land-based activities.
- Protect Marine Ecosystems: Sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts.
- Minimise Ocean Acidification: Enhance scientific cooperation to minimise ocean acidification and its impact on marine life.
- Sustainable Fishing: Effectively regulate harvesting, end overfishing and implement science-based management to restore fish populations.
- Conserve Coastal and Marine Areas: Increase the number of marine protected areas and ensure their sustainable management.
- Increase Economic Benefits for SIDS and LDCs: Enhance sustainable use of marine resources to benefit small island developing states (SIDS) and least developed countries (LDCs).
- Promote Scientific Knowledge and Capacity Building: Increase scientific knowledge, develop research capacity and transfer marine technology.
- Implement International Law: Ensure full implementation of existing international law as reflected in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
SDG 14 aims to advance sustainable ocean management while reducing the negative impacts of human activity on marine ecosystems. The goal aligns with the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021–2030), which fosters international collaboration to enhance ocean research, technology and innovation.
Align your Organisation with the UN SDGs
Integration with Other Sustainable Development Goals
SDG 14 connects deeply with many other goals. Protecting oceans and using them responsibly helps fight poverty (SDG 1), ensure food security (SDG 2), drive economic growth (SDG 8), support climate action (SDG 13) and improve human health (SDG 3). These connections show up clearly in coastal communities. Marine ecosystems provide food, jobs and natural protection to these areas. The link between SDG 14 and climate action matters is also significant as the World’s oceans absorb about nearly 30% of yearly CO₂ emissions from human activity. This absorption makes oceans more acidic and puts marine life at risk.
Emerging Trends and Initiatives in Sustainable Ocean Science
There has been a growing emphasis on harnessing ocean science to develop practical solutions that address key marine challenges. This involves combining traditional knowledge with modern scientific research for sustainable marine practices. Some emerging trends and initiatives include nutrient cycling through regenerative aquaculture and marine habitat restoration amongst others. These innovations contribute to global efforts on climate action and mitigation, as well as enhances marine biodiversity.
Nutrient Cycling through Regenerative Aquaculture
Nutrient cycling involves the movement and transformation of essential elements like nitrogen, phosphorus, and carbon within marine systems. Enhanced nutrient cycling helps combat water pollution, supports marine flora and fauna, and contributes to climate mitigation. Regenerative aquaculture plays a crucial role in this process by integrating sustainable practices such as cultivating marine plants and shellfish. These initiatives not only enhance food security but also promote biodiversity, creating healthier and more resilient marine ecosystems.
Marine Carbon Capture and Blue Carbon Ecosystems
Blue carbon ecosystems, such as seagrasses, mangroves and kelp forests, act as natural carbon sinks, capturing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Innovations in ocean farming and marine restoration are enhancing these ecosystems' capacity to absorb carbon and reduce the impact of climate change.
Algapelago's Blue Forest Project
One innovative company currently championing marine natural capital and regenerative aquaculture is Algapelago. Their Blue Forest Project is a groundbreaking initiative focused on utilising kelp and mussel farming as tools for both nutrient cycling and marine biodiversity enhancement. At the heart of the project is the cultivation of sugar kelp (Saccharina latissima) and blue mussels (Mytilus edulis) to improve nutrient cycling, enhance water quality and support marine ecosystems.
- Environmental Impact: Research indicates that this system will extract between 17.6-21.2 tonnes of nitrogen (N), 1.0-1.3 tonnes of phosphate (P), and 195.9-257.5 tonnes of carbon (C) annually. This initiative will also create habitats that support diverse marine life, from fish to invertebrates.
- Water Quality Improvement: Reduces nutrient pollution and enhances water clarity.
- Scalability: Advanced modular cultivation system to scale up to 116 hectares off the coast of North Devon.
The Tunley Environmental and Algapelago Partnership
Tunley Environmental has partnered with Algapelago to leverage ocean science for sustainable development, focusing on data-driven approaches to measure the nutrient cycling and carbon capture potential of regenerative aquaculture. This collaboration aligns with Tunley's objective of supporting sustainable marine management.
Monitoring Progress and Reporting
Tracking progress in ocean science initiatives requires comprehensive data collection and reporting. Key metrics include:
- Biodiversity Indices: Tracking species richness and habitat health.
- Water Quality Parameters: Monitoring nutrient levels and sedimentation rates.
- Carbon Sequestration Rates: Measuring how much CO₂ is absorbed by kelp, shellfish and other marine life.
- Social Impact Assessment: Evaluating how local communities benefit from sustainable regenerative aquaculture.
The Bottom Line
The Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development calls for transformative change in how humans interact with marine environments. The partnership between Tunley Environmental and Algapelago exemplifies how innovative projects can align with UN SDG 14 and enhance sustainable ocean management. Through continued investment in scientific research and sustainable practices, it is possible to build a future where ocean resources are preserved for generations to come. Learn more about Tunley Environmental’s collaboration with Algapelago here.