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Scientists have found that most parts of the world’s oceans are damaged.
Researchers from the University of Queensland in Australia conducted an analysis of marine wilderness around the world. They determined how 15 human activities, including fishing and commercial shipping, and four factors related to climate change, like ocean acidification and sea level increase, affect each part of the ocean. Oceans experiencing less than 10% of these activities or factors qualified as wilderness.
Findings revealed that areas of wilderness are mostly found in the polar regions, specifically in the Arctic and the Antarctic, and around Pacific Island nations. Even so, lead researcher Kendall Jones pointed out that majority of the countries still have traces of wilderness.
Because of the negative effects of human activities, only 13.2% of the world’s oceans can be classified as wilderness. Unfortunately, only 4.9% of this marine wilderness remains protected. Jones added that unprotected areas of wilderness are susceptible to depletion. These areas will continue to face threats as they get more exposed to human activities brought about by factors like melting sea ice and cutting-edge fishing technologies.
Currently, efforts to preserve the remaining wilderness are being carried out. A campaign led by environmental organization Greenpeace aims to protect the polar waters in Antarctica by creating a network of ocean sanctuaries where harmful human activities are not allowed. Several fishing companies have vowed to support the said campaign. These companies have also agreed to stop their operations in the region, especially in areas with a lot of wildlife.