The wealth of the sea is finite

The oceans occupy more than 70% of the Earth’s surface and 95% of the biosphere. Life in the sea is roughly 1000 times older than the genus Homo. There is broad recognition that the seas face unprecedented human-induced threats from industries such as fishing and transportation, the effects of waste disposal, excess nutrients from agricultural runoff and the introduction of exotic species. If we fail to understand both the vulnerability and resilience of the living sea, the relatively brief history of the human species will face a tragic destiny.

What's new

8 June 2025

Statement by Astrid Schomaker, Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity on World Oceans Day, 8 June 2025

21 March 2025

Statement by Astrid Schomaker, Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity, on the occasion of the World Water Day (22 March 2025)

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Notifications

9 September 2025-2025-114

Composition of the Informal Advisory Group for Ecologically or Biologically Significant Marine Areas

4 September 2025-2025-111

Submission of new descriptions, and of modifications to existing descriptions, of ecologically or biologically significant marine areas within national jurisdiction for potential consideration at the twenty-eighth meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice

6 August 2025-2025-102

Expert workshop on scientific and technical work conducted under the Convention on Biological Diversity relevant to marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction, 2 to 5 December 2025 - Bergen, Norway

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Upcoming Meetings

25 September 2025, London, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

World Maritime Day

2–5 December 2025, Bergen, Norway

Expert workshop on scientific and technical work conducted under the Convention on Biological Diversity relevant to marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction

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