Global trends in the state of the world marine fish stock, 1974-2011
The increased use of resources and ocean space are adversely affecting the state of the ocean. On all measures the ocean is changing – the waters are warming and becoming dangerously more acidic, commercial fish species have been in decline for decades, and coastal waters are experiencing increased pollution from both land based activities and from marine industries like aquaculture. Levels of heavy metals and other toxic substances in some marine mammals and fish are making them unfit for human consumption and starkly illustrate the continuing contamination of once pristine ocean waters (Ref: WOA Summary e.g., pages 10, 18, 20,31). Illustration of condition and trend from the fisheries sector (Ref: WOA Summary page 19).
Year: 2016
From collection: World Ocean Assessment Overview
Cartographer: Kristina Thygesen