The World Ocean Assessment highlights the urgent need for global science and action

They were joined by renowned maritime advocate Sylvia Earle and explorer Fabien Cousteau to mark the ship’s imminent release. World Ocean Assessmenta major report described at the event as “perhaps the most important book about the oceans ever written”.

Set to be launched on World Oceans Day, June 8, the 1,600-page assessment is the result of more than five years of work by 550 experts from 86 countries, providing a detailed picture of the increasing pressure on the ocean and the actions needed to safeguard it.

Speaking at the event, Steven Hill, UN Assistant Secretary-General for Legal Affairs, said the assessment “reinforces a very clear message: science is indispensable”.

He said the report provides a basis for “understanding the profound changes that are taking place, from climate-driven change to biodiversity loss, and for establishing effective action both at the local, but also at the global level”.

What we still don’t know

Despite decades of progress, large areas of the ocean, especially the deep sea, remain poorly understood.

Sylvia Earle, a renowned veteran oceanographer, warned that the report also showed the scale of work still needed.

“One thing that also needs to be addressed, and it will take a lot of volume, is the magnitude of what we still don’t know,” he said.

Echoing Mark Twain’s famous quote, “what gets us into trouble is not what we don’t know. We know for certain that this is not true.” Ms. Earle said scientists now know more than previous generations, but they must remain aware of the many things they don’t know.

“We should not be overly ambitious in thinking we have all the right answers,” he added.

Knowledge alone is not enough

“Knowledge alone is not enough,” said Mr. Hill. “We are at a time where the marine ecosystem is approaching a critical threshold, and the choices we make, based on the best available science, will determine the future of the ocean and the benefits it can produce.”

Such knowledge must also be inclusive, he added, by bringing together various disciplines, regions and diverse perspectives, including indigenous peoples and local communities.

“Ultimately we are in one community and we all have to row in the same direction… the only way we can get out of this is together,” said Fabien Cousteau, maritime advocate and grandson of legendary ocean explorer Jacques Cousteau, at the Explorers Club.

Bahia Tahzib-Lie, Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, said the assessment “offers a powerful roadmap for taking action through global collaboration and multilateralism.” As co-chair of the study, he emphasized that this important report could be the most comprehensive and insightful marine study to date.

Stay tuned to UN News for more special coverage of the World Ocean Assessment ahead of its launch next week…