Since the origin of life on Earth, the oceans have provided most of the oxygen in the atmosphere and are responsible for 6 out of every 7 breaths we take. Scientists agree that the seas and oceans produce about 50% of the oxygen today. At the same time, we need to be aware of the alarming changes that are taking place.
Unfortunately, ocean deoxygenation, or the reduction of oxygen in the seas and oceans, is becoming an increasing threat. Human activities, such as global warming, the flow of nutrients and organic wastes from land, and others, play an important role in this process. The need to improve ocean health is emphasized by UN through the Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development” and the EU’s mission”Renew our Oceans and Waters”.
A new document issued by the EMB highlights the urgency of preserving the ocean healthy and warns us of the serious consequences of deoxygenation. Declining biodiversity, changing species distributions, and negative impacts on biogeochemical cycles are just some of the challenges we face. We need to be aware of the importance of preserving the seas and oceans and that each and every one of us can contribute to the health of the oceans through our behavior and example.
Download your copy of the “Ocean Oxygen: the role of the Ocean in the oxygen we breathe and the Threat of deoxygenation” in PDF-> https://marineboard.eu/sites/marineboard.eu/files/public/EMB_FSB10_Ocean_oxygen_Web-150DPI_V7.pdf?fbclid=IwAR2bsw21ZlPvPZb5ZpB2cl3pkWeu-lea0FRtmwXc5XJRVjEBqzycfWzoIQ4
The Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries is a member of the “EMB – European Marine Board”, an independent scientific organization that links key institutions from 18 European countries and promotes their collaboration and helps define future and priority European oceanographic research.
