Ocean Protection Hangs in Balance as Record Sea-Surface Temperatures Raise Alarm

The global ocean is sending urgent warnings about its future, and the next four years will decide the course of action. This summer's sea-surface temperatures reached their highest level on record, and a comprehensive assessment of coral reefs revealed that frequent marine heatwaves are leaving reefs with less time to recover between bleaching events.

Global hard coral cover has declined by 9.5% compared to the 1980-2009 average, primarily driven by human-induced climate change. The consequences of delay are clear: marine heatwaves are becoming more frequent, and ecosystems need time and the right conditions to recover.

The High Seas Treaty is a new legal framework that enables marine protected areas beyond national jurisdiction, but ambition must be matched with resources. An estimated $16 billion is needed each year for marine protection under the 30% target, compared to only around $1.8 billion currently spent.