2 International Priorities
Patricia Corbett and Nikita Dubberley
The ocean, land and atmosphere are interconnected systems. As a result, a holistic, integrated, collaborative approach is required to build a sustainable marine future. Documents such as UN Sustainable Development Goals, The High-Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy, the UN Decade of Ocean Science and Sustainable Development outline global sustainability challenges and ways that we can collaboratively address these challenges to build an equitable, sustainable blue economy. A collective global effort is required to remediate, and enhance the state of the environment. Have a brief look through and choose one approach to look at in more detail.
United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
In 2015, 193 countries came together with a shared vision to create a global agreement to ‘leave no one behind’ and to create ‘peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future’. Seventeen sustainable development goals were developed for a shared future including: global food security, equity and equality, sustainable practices, and environmental action (United Nations, 2025).
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The United Nations Sustainable development goals
The goals include: 1. No poverty, 2. Zero hunger, 3. Good health and well-being, 4. Quality education, 5. Gender equality, 6. Clean water and sanitation, 7. Affordable and clean energy, 8. Decent work and economic growth, 9. Industry, innovation and infrastructure, 10. Reduced inequalities, 11. Sustainable cities and communities, 12. Responsible consumption and production, 13. Climate action, 14. Life below water, 15. Life on land, 16. Peace, justice and strong institutions, 17. Partnerships for the goals.
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“Sustainable Development Goals” by United Nations . The content of this publication has not been approved by the United Nations and does not reflect the views of the United Nations or its officials or Member States.
Watch the video below to learn more about the 17 sustainable development goals.
United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development
The UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development from 2021 – 2030 provides the opportunity to bring together scientists and stakeholders to think innovatively and work collectively to build a sustainable ocean. The vision is to do “the science we need for the ocean we want” (UNESCO, 2021). Priority areas and 10 key challenges have been identified to achieve this. People from all around the globe are performing robust science to contribute to solving these challenges.
Watch the video below.
10 UN Ocean Decade Challenges for collective Impact
Click on each challenge below to learn more about the UN Ocean Decade priority areas.
Challenge 1
Challenge 1 – Understand and beat marine pollution
To achieve this, it is important to collect information on the types and sources of contaminants, map their distribution, assess their potential impact on environmental and human health, and develop innovative solutions to prevent sources entering the environmental and remediate contaminated sites.
For further information, watch the video below.
(UNESCO-IOC, 2021)
Challenge 2
Challenge 2 – Protect and restore ecosystems and biodiversity
To achieve this, there must be cutting edge research investigating the impact of multiple stressors (such as pollution, climate change, and ocean acidification) and understanding how these may have an additive, antagonistic or synergistic effect in the marine environment. Additionally, it requires innovative strategies to monitor biological communities over extended spatial and temporal ranges, conservation of biodiversity, and remediation/rehabilitation of impacted ecosystems.
For further information, watch the video below.
(UNESCO-IOC, 2021)
Challenge 3
Challenge 3 – Sustainably feed the global population
To achieve this, innovative research in fisheries and aquaculture is needed (e.g. optimising aquaculture practices using multi-trophic aquacultures systems, investigating optimal fish nutrition without utilising wild caught fish, and exploring sustainable fishing practices incorporating marine protected area management).
For further information, watch the video below.
(UNESCO-IOC, 2021)
Challenge 4
Challenge 4 – Develop a sustainable and equitable ocean economy
To achieve this, the three pillars of sustainability (environment, social, and economic) have to be considered. Currently there is inequitable access to things like jobs, resources, income, and accessibility, from the ocean. Innovative strategies need to be put in place to allow equitable and sustainable development in a changing future.
For further information, watch the video below.
(UNESCO-IOC, 2021)
Challenge 5
Challenge 5 – Unlock ocean-based solutions to climate change
To achieve this, innovative science and transdisciplinary research is required to further understand the effects of climate change on local to global ocean processes to develop strategies to predict future change or impact, as well as organisms capacity to adapt to change / become resistant to change, and ways to alleviate potential future impact.
For further information, watch the video below.
(UNESCO-IOC, 2021)
Challenge 6
Challenge 6 – Increase community resilience to ocean hazards
To achieve this, it is important to develop early indicators of change for multiple hazards including anthropogenic stressors, climate and weather, ecosystem, and coastal hazards to increase coastal community awareness and resilience.
For further information, watch the video below.
(UNESCO-IOC, 2021)
Challenge 7
Challenge 7 – Expand the Global Ocean Observing System
To achieve this, ocean observing systems such as the IMOS network around the globe are required to ensure access to the most up to date information for multiple users and long-term data sets to understand and predict change.
For further information, watch the video below.
(UNESCO-IOC, 2021)
Challenge 8
Challenge 8 – Create a digital representation of the ocean
To achieve this, a transdisciplinary approach is required. Large, long term, open access data sets are required to digitally visualise the ocean to past, present, and predicted future ocean conditions that are easily interpreted by a wide audience and all stakeholders.
For further information, watch the video below.
(UNESCO-IOC, 2021)
Challenge 9
Challenge 9 – Skills, knowledge and technology for all
To achieve this, all stakeholders require equitable accessible data, technology, knowledge and information.
For further information, watch the video below.
(UNESCO-IOC, 2021)
Challenge 10
Challenge 10 – Change humanity’s relationship with the ocean
Ensure that the multiple values and services of the ocean for human wellbeing, culture, and sustainable development are widely understood, and identify and overcome barriers to behaviour change required for a step change in humanity’s relationship with the ocean.
For further information, watch the video below.
(UNESCO-IOC, 2021)
High Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy
The High Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy was formed to progress towards a sustainable blue economy. Australia is one of 17 member countries with a vision to protect the marine environment, build ocean economies, and promote equitability. The panel has identified 5 priority areas for action: Ocean Wealth; Ocean Health; Ocean Equity; Ocean Knowledge; and Ocean Finance.
Follow the link to learn more at The High Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy.
Activity: Five critical areas for action
Investigate the 5 priority areas, what they are, what they intend to do, and what they intend to achieve via the High Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy website.
How do the 5 critical areas for action compare to other international priorities?
Particularly Sensitive Sea Areas
Marked by ecological or socio-economic significance, Particularly Sensitive Sea Areas (PSSAs) are areas which require special safeguards to protect against international maritime activities. Criteria and guidelines for classification and protections are managed and established by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO, 2025).
Activity: PSSAs
Explore the different PSSAs in the activity below.
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Activity: PSSAs
A click-to-explore world map which lists the location and a brief description of the different PSSAs. Each are described below.
The Great Barrier Reef, Torres Strait and South-West Coral Sea
The Great Barrier Reef (adopted in 1990), Torres Strait (adopted in 2005) and South-West Coral Sea (designated in 2015) present a delicate ecosystem which collectively hosts and supports an incredible diversity of organisms, including species classed as endangered and vulnerable. These areas are at risk from the shipping industry, pollution, and noise (IMO 2025).
Archipelago of Sabana-Camagüey
Spanning approximately 650kms, the Archipelago of Sabana-Camagüey (adopted in 1997) includes coral reefs, mangrove swamps, seagrass beds, beaches and cays. The area presents a destination for migratory birds and several conservation efforts (Wikipedia 2025b), due to it’s classification, is avoided for shipping purposes (IMO 2025a).
Malpelo Island
Located on a volcanic ridge, Malpelo Island (adopted in 2002) spans 1.5km in length, host sheer and barren rocky terrain and is surrounded by deep water (Wikipedia 2025a). The location attracts sharks, whales, island birds and a diversity of marine life. Due to it’s classification by IMO, fishing and shipping for larger vessels (weight based) is dissuaded (IMO 2025).
Florida Keys
A coral cay archipelago, the Florida Keys (adopted in 2002) host diverse marine, bird, aquatic and plant life. The system hosts dense mangrove swaps. Due to it’s delicate coral and classification by IMO, shipping for specific purposes (oil and hazardous material cargo) and all larger vessels (length based) is dissuaded (IMO 2025).
Wadden Sea
Spanning approximately 500kms of shoreline between the Netherlands, Germany and Denmark, the Wadden Sea (adopted in 2002) is used as a shipping, fishing and cargo route. The Sea also hosts diverse flora and fauna, particularly birds (IMO 2025).
Paracas National Reserve
Paracas National Reserve (adopted in 2003) hosts both seabird colonies and diverse marine species. While it is a busy sea route, the IMO classification means shipping for specific purposes (oil and hazardous material cargo) is dissuaded (IMO 2025).
Western European Waters
Geographically impacting Belgium, France, Spain, Ireland, Portugal and the United Kingdom, the Western European Waters (adopted in 2004) is considered one of the busiest shipping lanes, worldwide. This impacts the natural and diverse marine environment. Due to it’s classification by the IMO, systems have been implemented which direct areas to avoid, route reporting, and measures (size-based, for certain vessels) (IMO 2025).
Canary Islands
The Canary Islands area (adopted in 2005) consists of various islands, caves, and underwater volcanoes spanning over 70000kms. The island areas are threatened by shipping, particularly the high-volume traffic of oil tankers (and resulting pollution and discharges). Various measures have been put into place to reduce risk and impact (IMO 2025).
Galapagos Archipelago
The Galapagos Archipelago (adopted in 2005) is unique for its biodiversity and ecosystems. Due to its unique features and IMO classification, various measures have been put into place to protect the area, including sea traffic separation schemes, ship reporting, and large shipping (weight based) avoidance (IMO 2025).
Baltic Sea area
The Baltic Sea area (adopted in 2005), impacting Estonia, Denmark, Sweden, Poland, Latvia, Germany, Finland and Lithuania, is a brackish-water ecosystem. The area is considered one of the busiest shipping lanes, worldwide and thanks to it’s classification by IMO, several strategies are in place to protect the area (IMO 2025).
Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument
The Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument (adopted in 2007) is the largest marine reserve (approximately 1,510,000 km2) worldwide, covering oceans, reefs, islands, and atolls in the Pacific Ocean. Sensitive to shipping and pollution, the IMO has implemented protective strategies such as avoidance areas and larger ship reporting (by weight) (IMO 2025).
Strait of Bonifacio
The Strait of Bonifacio (adopted in 2011) is a somewhat narrow (approximately 8-10 nautical miles wide and approximately 100m deep) area with strong currents, vital to the marine environment and fisheries but hazardous for shipping. Based on these qualities, the IMO has implemented some protective strategies such as mandatory reporting for larger ships (weight based), recommended passage routes, and strategies for ships carrying hazardous materials (IMO 2025).
Saba Bank
The Saba Bank (adopted in 2012) is made up of rock and coral banks and boasts a rich diversity of marine life. According to the IMO (2025), shipping activities (grounding, collisions, pollution, anchoring, and passage) present a large threat to the ecosystem. Protective measures are in place to support the area, including avoidance for large ships (weight based) and no anchoring areas (IMO 2025).
Jomard Entrance
The Jomard Entrance (adopted in 2016) of Papua New Guinea connects the Solomon and Coral Seas. Within the entrance, two uninhabited coral cay islands are surrounded by large coral reefs which support a diversity of marine life which are sensitive to shipping activities (e.g. introduced species, marine debris, groundings, oil spills etc. Some protective measures have been implemented to support the area (IMO 2025).
Tubbataha Reefs National Park
Due to its location, the Tubbataha Reefs National Park (adopted in 2017) has remained protected from human marine activities. Consequently, the area has maintained t’s highly diverse coral reef ecosystem, which also supports organisms classified as critically endangered. The IMO has implemented protective strategies of avoidance for ships (by weight) and recommended pilotage for ships over a certain size and carrying specific cargo (classified as hazardous) (IMO 2025).
Nusa Penida Islands and Gili Matra Islands in Lombok Strait
The Nusa Penida Islands and Gili Matra Islands (adopted in 2024) (IMO 2025a), represent a collection of about 16 islands and their surrounding waters in Indonesia (Gili Shark Conservation 2025; Wikipedia 2025c). The area is prominent for its rich biodiversity and cultural identity, with the PSSA classification seeking to protect the area from shipping activities with routing and marine traffic measures (BIMCO 2024).
North-Western Mediterranean Sea
The North-Western Mediterranean Sea (adopted in 2023) area, which impacts France, Italy, Monaco and Spain (IMO 2025a) and includes the Pelagos Sanctuary and the Spanish Cetacean Corridor is home to a variety of marine life, with significant mammal (e.g. whale) populations. The area also confers significant marine traffic, prompting the implementation of protective strategies including recommendations around safety distances, shipping speed reduction when mammals are observed, and reporting obligations (Pelagos nd).
H5P References
BIMCO. (2024, October 4). IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee adopts measures to protect the environment and human health. [Media release]. https://www.bimco.org/news-insights/bimco-news/2024/20241004-mepc-82-protected-areas/
Gili Shark Conservation. (2025). All you ever wanted to know about the Marine Protected Area around the Gili Islands. https://www.gilisharkconservation.com/gili-matra-marine-park/#elementor-action%3Aaction%3Dpopup%3Aopen%26settings%3DeyJpZCI6IjI1MiIsInRvZ2dsZSI6ZmFsc2V9
IMO. (2025a). Particularly Sensitive Sea Areas. https://www.imo.org/en/ourwork/environment/pages/pssas.aspx
IMO. (2025b). Protecting vulnerable seas from shipping and marine pollution Particularly Sensitive Sea Areas (PSSAs). https://imohq.exposure.co/protecting-vulnerable-seas-from-shipping-and-marine-pollution
Pelagos. (n.d.). Creation of a PSSA in the North-Western Mediterranean Sea. https://pelagos-sanctuary.org/creation-of-a-pssa-in-the-north-west-mediterranean/
Wikipedia. (2025a). Sabana-Camagüey Archipelago. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sabana-Camag%C3%BCey_Archipelago
Wikipedia. 2025b. Malpelo Island. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malpelo_Island
Wikipedia. 2025c. Nusa Penida. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nusa_Penida
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References
High Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy. 2020. Transformations for a Sustainable Ocean Economy: A Vision for Protection, Production and Prosperity. Washington, DC: World Resources Institute. Available online at https://oceanpanel.org/the-agenda/.
IMO. (2025). Particularly Sensitive Sea Areas. https://www.imo.org/en/ourwork/environment/pages/pssas.aspx
Roberts, J. (2024). Designating Particularly Sensitive Sea Areas in Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction. Ocean Development & International Law, 55(1–2), 234–258. https://doi.org/10.1080/00908320.2024.2368230
UNESCO. (2021). United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development. https://www.unesco.org/en/decades/ocean-decade
UNESCO-IOC. (2021). The United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030): Implementation Plan – Summary. UNESCO, Paris (IOC Ocean Decade Series, 19.) UNESCO. (IOC/2021/ODS/20). https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000377082
United Nations. (2025). The 17 Goals. https://sdgs.un.org/goals.
