Ocean biodiversity is in danger, and we must act urgently to protect it—this is the warning from scientists around the world. According to a global survey by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), climate change and overfishing are the leading threats. To mark World Oceans Day on June 8, MSC experts are calling for greater public awareness and education on what individuals can do to help safeguard marine ecosystems.
Oceans produce the oxygen most organisms need to survive, absorb carbon dioxide, and provide food for billions of people. Yet their biodiversity is under increasing strain. In March 2024, MSC surveyed 58 scientists and environmental experts from around the globe, who identified climate change as the most severe threat to the oceans—followed closely by overfishing.
“On the occasion of World Oceans Day, we want to raise awareness of the global environmental problems affecting our oceans,” says Marta Kalinowska, MSC’s Country Manager for Poland and Central Europe. “Climate change is seen by scientists as the greatest threat, followed by overfishing—harvesting too many fish too quickly for stocks to regenerate.”
The overfishing crisis is also highlighted by UN data, which shows that 37.7% of commercially fished stocks are overexploited—more than triple the rate recorded in the 1970s. At the same time, global seafood consumption has soared from 9.1 kg per person in 1961 to 20.7 kg in 2022. With the global population projected to reach nearly 10 billion by 2050, demand for fish and seafood will only grow—making ocean health critical to future food security.
But according to Kalinowska, fishing and conservation can coexist. The key is sustainable fishing—catching fish in a way that doesn’t harm marine ecosystems and allows fish populations to naturally replenish.
“This is where the MSC Fisheries Standard comes in. It’s a global benchmark that outlines what improvements are needed and which rules must be followed for fisheries to be sustainable. It covers fish stock management, fishing methods that avoid harming other species like birds or marine mammals, and efforts to reduce bycatch,” she explains. “The third pillar is political: fisheries must be well-managed at the governmental level, with scientifically grounded catch limits to ensure population stability.”
For nearly 30 years, MSC has been promoting sustainable fishing practices worldwide. More than 700 fisheries participate in the MSC program and have made over 2,000 improvements to reduce their environmental impact. These examples are featured in MSC’s latest report, “Preserving Ocean Life: How Sustainable Fishing Supports Biodiversity.”
Examples include:
- Cornish hake fisheries reduced harbor porpoise bycatch by 80% using acoustic pingers.
- Tuna fisheries in the eastern Pacific now release over 90% of accidentally caught silky sharks.
- In South Africa, the use of scare lines in hake fisheries has reduced albatross deaths by 99%.
“Through cooperation with fishers, we show that sustainable fishing is possible. Our MSC standard rewards those who commit to making improvements that protect marine life,” Kalinowska says.
Encouragingly, nearly half (45%) of scientists surveyed by MSC believe there’s still time to reverse the negative impacts of climate change and overfishing. They cite scientific progress and better policy as reasons for optimism. Consumers also have a vital role to play.
“Everyday choices can support sustainable fishing. When buying seafood, look for the blue MSC label—it means the fish comes from a certified sustainable source. By choosing these products, consumers reward responsible fishers who are actively working to reduce their environmental impact,” Kalinowska explains.
To mark World Oceans Day on June 8, MSC invites the public to attend educational events at Warsaw Zoo, Orientarium Zoo in Łódź, and Gdynia Aquarium.
“World Oceans Day is a great opportunity to educate the youngest generations about ocean conservation,” says Kalinowska. “Together with educational partners, we’ve prepared exhibits and interactive activities for children. From 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on June 8, visitors can explore marine conservation exhibitions, enjoy games and activities, and take part in an online oceans knowledge contest—especially aimed at reaching children in smaller towns. We hope this will help raise awareness among the next generation about how they can protect our oceans.”
