By Abdullahi Lukman
The United Nations has raised fresh concerns over the deteriorating state of the world’s oceans, warning that climate change, pollution, overfishing and biodiversity loss are placing marine ecosystems under increasing pressure.
The warning is contained in the Third World Ocean Assessment, released on Monday , which provides the latest global evaluation of the health of the marine environment and its implications for economies, livelihoods and sustainable development.
Presenting the report, UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, described the findings as evidence of a deepening global ocean crisis and called for urgent action to reverse current trends.
According to the assessment, the ocean is experiencing accelerating human-induced pressures, with climate change, pollution and growing economic activities contributing to ecosystem degradation, biodiversity loss and threats to fisheries, coastal protection and human health.
The report revealed that ocean warming is intensifying, with about 16 per cent of the total increase in ocean heat recorded since 1955 occurring within the last eight years.
It also noted that sea level rise has accelerated significantly, increasing from less than two millimetres annually before 2015 to 4.3 millimetres per year in 2023.
Plastic pollution remains another major challenge.
The assessment estimated that more than 52 million tonnes of plastic waste enter the ocean annually, contributing to trillions of microplastic particles that are now affecting thousands of marine species worldwide.
The report further highlighted major gaps in scientific knowledge, noting that only about 27 per cent of the ocean floor had been mapped as of 2025, leaving large portions of deep-sea ecosystems poorly understood.
Experts involved in the assessment stressed that ocean health is directly linked to food security, economic prosperity, livelihoods and cultural identity.
They warned that continued environmental degradation could have far-reaching consequences for communities that depend on marine resources.
The assessment also underscored the importance of inclusive ocean governance, highlighting the role of Indigenous knowledge, local communities, gender equality and equitable participation in ensuring sustainable ocean management.
Among its findings, the report noted that small-scale
fisheries support more than 60 million people globally and contribute significantly to food production, yet many coastal and Indigenous communities continue to face barriers to resource access and decision-making processes.
The study further warned that marine pollution, harmful algal blooms, chemical contaminants and climate-related changes are increasing health risks for people through seafood consumption, recreation and coastal exposure.
On governance, the report acknowledged progress through international agreements aimed at protecting marine biodiversity and promoting sustainable ocean use.
However, it noted that fragmented policies and uneven treaty implementation continue to hinder effective management of ocean resources.
Coordinators of the assessment called for stronger international cooperation, improved policy coordination and science-based decision-making to address growing threats to the marine environment.
Compiled by nearly 600 experts from 86 countries, the Third World Ocean Assessment serves as the United Nations’ most comprehensive review of the environmental, economic and social conditions of the world’s oceans.
The report is expected to guide governments, policymakers and international organisations in advancing sustainable ocean management and achieving global development goals.
