The First Global Integrated Marine Assessment
World Ocean Assessment I

This United Nations report examines the current state of knowledge of the world's oceans, for policymakers, and provides a reference for marine science courses.

United Nations (Edited by)

9781316510018, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 17 April 2017

976 pages
28.6 x 22.2 x 4.7 cm, 2.88 kg

'The First Global Integrated Marine Assessment has arrived at a critical time. Never before has it been possible to acquire the depth and breadth of information gathered in this masterful compilation. Never again will there be a better time to apply the knowledge presented here to develop policies that will enable humankind to make peace with the natural ocean systems that underpin everything we care about, including our own existence.' Sylvia Earle, Explorer in Residence at National Geographic, Founder of Mission Blue, and Founder of Deep Ocean Exploration and Research (DOER)

The World Ocean Assessment - or, to give its full title, The First Global Integrated Marine Assessment - is the outcome of the first cycle of the United Nations' Regular Process for Global Reporting and Assessment of the State of the Marine Environment, including Socioeconomic Aspects. The Assessment provides vital, scientifically-grounded bases for the consideration of ocean issues, including climate change, by governments, intergovernmental agencies, non-governmental agencies and all other stakeholders and policymakers involved in ocean affairs. Together with future assessments and related initiatives, it will support the implementation of the recently adopted 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly its ocean-related goals. Moreover, it will also form an important reference text for marine science courses.

Foreword
Preface
Part I. Summary of the First Global Integrated Marine Assessment
Part II. The Context of the Assessment: 1. Introduction: planet, oceans and life
2. Mandate, information sources and method of work
Part III. Assessment of Major Ecosystem Services from the Marine Environment: 3. Scientific understanding of ecosystem services
4. The ocean's role in the hydrological cycle
5. Sea-air interactions
6. Primary production, cycling of nutrients, surface layer and plankton
7. Calcium carbonate production and contribution to coastal sediments
8. Aesthetic, cultural, religious and spiritual ecosystem services derived from the marine environment
9. Conclusions on major ecosystem services other than provisioning services
Part IV. Assessment of the Cross-Cutting Issues: Food Security and Food Safety: 10. The oceans as a source of food
11. Capture fisheries
12. Aquaculture
13. Fish stock propagation
14. Seaweeds
15. Social and economic aspects of sea-based food and fisheries
16. Synthesis of Part IV: food security and safety
Part V. Assessment of Other Human Activities and the Marine Environment: 17. Shipping
18. Ports
19. Submarine cables and pipelines
20. Coastal, riverine and atmospheric inputs from land
21. Offshore hydrocarbon industries
22. Other marine-based energy industries
23. Offshore mining industries
24. Solid waste disposal
25. Marine debris
26. Land-sea physical interaction
27. Tourism and recreation
28. Desalinization
29. Use of marine genetic resources
30. Marine scientific research
31. Conclusions on other human activities
32. Capacity-building in relation to human activities affecting the marine environment
Part VI. Assessment of Marine Biological Diversity and Habitats: 33. Introduction
Section A. Overview of Marine Biological Diversity: 34. Global patterns in marine biodiversity
35. Extent of assessment of marine biological diversity
36. Overview of marine biological diversity
Section B. Marine Ecosystems, Species and Habitats Scientifically Identified as Threatened, Declining or Otherwise in Need of Special Attention or Protection
I. Marine Species: 37. Marine mammals
38. Seabirds
39. Marine reptiles
40. Sharks and other elasmobranchs
41. Tunas and bill fishes
II. Marine Ecosystems and Habitats: 42. Cold-water corals
43. Tropical and sub-tropical coral reefs
44. Estuaries and deltas
45. Hydrothermal vents and cold seeps
46. High-latitude ice and the biodiversity dependent on it
47. Kelp forests and seagrass meadows
48. Mangroves
49. Salt marshes
50. Sargasso sea
51. Biological communities on seamounts and other submarine features potentially threatened by disturbance
Section C. Environmental, Economic and/or Social Aspects of the Conservation of Marine Species and Habitats and Capacity-Building Needs: 52. Synthesis of Part VI: marine biological diversity and habitats
53. Capacity-building needs in relation to the status of species and habitats
Part VII. Overall Assessment: 54. Overall assessment of human impact on the oceans
55. Overall value of the oceans to humans
Annex I. List of contributors and commentators
Annex II. Glossary
Annex III. Acronyms.

Subject Areas: Environmentalist, conservationist & Green organizations [RNB], The environment [RN], Oceanography [seas RBKC], Marine biology [PSPM], Environment law [LNKJ], International environmental law [LBBP]