The oceans around the world are so vast that they cover about 362 million square kilometers, which is around 70.9% of the Earth’s surface. Therefore, the scope of protecting marine biodiversity is a gargantuan task – almost as if one is literally carrying the earth in their shoulders.
A lot of problems may occur, especially at areas near human settlements – including overfishing, coral reef destruction, oil drilling, mangrove forest decimation, climate change, and acidification of oceans – which can threaten marine biodiversity.
The center tackles this problem as part of its international work and advocacy. We believe that the oceans, being vast, contain havens of yet to be discovered marine species. Hence, it is important to protect the biodiversity of these vast oceans from various threats.
One critical example of marine pollution is plastic pollution. These include even the tiniest microplastics and even large plastic-based fishing nets intentionally and unintentionally released by human activities. These plastic wastes can severely injure marine life such as sea turtles, seabirds, and whales by interfering with their normal digestion and feeding patterns.
To make matters worse, climate change is one of the reasons why the oceans are getting warmer and acidic, which in turns makes it harder for species to adapt. Coral bleaching, caused by ocean acidification, is also bad for marine biodiversity.
To respond to that dilemma, we take these measures:
Ava Singh is an environmental writer and marine sustainability advocate with a deep commitment to protecting the world's oceans and coastal communities. With a background in environmental policy and a passion for storytelling, Ava brings complex topics to life through clear, engaging content that educates and empowers readers. At the Marine Biodiversity & Sustainability Learning Center, Ava focuses on sharing impactful stories about community engagement, policy innovations, and conservation strategies. Her writing bridges the gap between science and the public, encouraging people to take part in preserving marine biodiversity. When she’s not writing, Ava collaborates with local initiatives to promote eco-conscious living and sustainable development, ensuring her work makes a difference both on the page and in the real world.