State of the World’s Oceans

1957 wurde Paul Johnston in Edinburgh, Schottland, geboren. Bereits sein Vater Ronald war ein erfolgreicher Thriller-Autor. Er selber begann 1989 mit dem Schreiben, als er auf die kleine Insel Antiparos in der griechischen Ägäis zog. Heute lebt er mit seiner Frau und seinen Töchtern abwechselnd in Griechenland und England.

The world's oceans cover 70% of the earth's surface and are home to a myriad of amazing and beautiful creatures. However, the biodiversity of the oceans is incre- ingly coming under serious threat from many human activities including overfi- ing, use of destructive fishing methods, pollution and commercial aquaculture. In addition, climate change is already having an impact on some marine ecosystems. This book discusses some of the major threats facing marine ecosystems by cons- ering a range of topics, under chapters discussing biodiversity (Chapter 1), fisheries (Chapter 2), aquaculture (Chapter 3), pollution (Chapter 4) and the impacts of increasing greenhouse gas emissions (Chapter 5). It goes on to explore solutions to the problems by discussing equitable and sustainable management of the oceans (Chapter 6) and protecting marine ecosystems using marine reserves (Chapter 7). Presently, 76% of the oceans are fully or over-exploited with respect to fishing, and many species have been severely depleted. It is abundantly clear that, in general, current fisheries management regimes are to blame for much of the widespread degradation of the oceans. Many policy-makers and scientists now agree that we must adopt a radical new approach to managing the seas - one that is precautionary in nature and has protection of the whole marine ecosystem as its primary objective. This 'ecosystem-based approach' is vital if we are to ensure the health of our oceans for future generations.

Drawing upon the unique expertise of Greenpeace, this book provides a contemporary overview of the world's oceans. The book covers a wide range of topics to illustrate the breadth of threats from human activities facing the marine environment.

Provides a review of scientific literature on environmental issues facing the oceans

Biodiversity.- Fisheries.- Aquaculture.- Pollution.- Increasing Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Impacts on the Marine Environment.- Equity.- Marine Reserves.