SDG 14: Life below water

SDG 14: Life below water: what is it and why is it so important?

SDG 14 seeks to conserve and use the oceans, seas and marine resources in a sustainable manner. It therefore seeks to prevent and reduce marine pollution of all kinds, to minimise and address the effects of ocean acidification and to regulate fisheries, among other objectives.

Precipitation, drinking water, some food and oxygen in the air ultimately come from the sea. The oceans provide critical natural resources such as medicines and biofuels, regulate the climate and contribute to the removal of waste and pollution, and their coastal ecosystems are good buffers against storm damage.

Healthy seas and oceans will provide vital aid in adapting to climate change and mitigating its harmful effects. But not only that: marine conservation areas are also drivers of poverty reduction because fishing increases and, as a result, people's income and health.

Despite the vital importance of the oceans, irresponsible exploitation over decades has led to an alarming level of degradation. A quarter of the annual CO₂ emissions generated by humans are absorbed by it, and although helpful, this absorption causes seawater to become more acidic. Acidity endangers many marine species, including coral reefs; it shakes the marine food chain and has negative effects on marine ecosystems, fisheries, agriculture, coastal protection, transport or tourism. According to the 2023 SDG Progress ReportExternal link, opens in new window. , the average pH of the ocean is 8.1, about 30% more acidic than in pre-industrial times, and is changing rapidly.

Added to this is the abundant dumping of plastic, the most harmful marine debris. The United Nations (UN) estimates that more than 17 million metric tons pollute the ocean, a figure it expects to double or triple by 2040. The Ellen MacArthur FoundationExternal link, opens in new window.  estimates that by 2050 the oceans could contain more plastics than fish. In addition, coastal eutrophication is increasing, which - along with algal blooms - is caused by agriculture, aquaculture and sewage. These blooms cause oxygen depletion and damage marine life. All this, coupled with the warming of bodies of water, calls for rapid and coordinated action on a global scale.

The sustainable development of the oceans depends on caring for marine protected areas, which protect the most vulnerable species and ecosystems. A landmark agreement on the protection of marine biodiversity in international waters, the so-called High Seas Treaty, was reached in 2023, which will help provide vital protection. Moreover, countries have succeeded in reducing illegal fishing through a binding international agreement. However, more concrete action is needed to tackle unreported and unregulated fishing.

Reversing the loss of marine biodiversity and pollution requires urgent global action. This is why the United Nations (UN) made the protection of underwater life SDG 14 of its 17 Sustainable Development Goals, approved in September 2015 as part of the 2030 Agenda.

 SEE INFOGRAPHIC: Keys to understanding the current threat to underwater life [PDF]

Targets for SDG 14: Life below water

The specific targets set for 2030 are:

• Sustainable management of marine and coastal ecosystems.
• Putting an end to the loss of biological diversity and the degradation of natural habitats.
• Addressing the effects of ocean acidification and regulating fishing.
• Stopping poaching and trafficking of protected species and preventing the introduction of toxic and invasive species.

Our contribution to SDG 14: Life below water

• We support new technologies for wildlife protection through our international start-up programme PERSEO with challenges to protect marine biodiversity and minimise the impact of human activity. 
• Working to protect porpoises in the North Sea: during the construction of the East Anglia ONE offshore wind farm in UK North Sea waters, a specific Marine Mammal Mitigation Protocol (MMMP) was implemented to prevent or minimise the risk of injury or disturbance to marine mammals. A floating base was installed in this park that actively collects debris by pumping water through the device, in order to contribute to a better functioning marine environment.
• Protecting marine biota in Mexico: measuring values of environmental indicators of marine biota (nekton, plankton) in the marine ecosystem adjacent to the Baja California combined cycle power plant.
• We control the sea temperature: at the Wikinger offshore wind farm, the insulation of submarine cables has been carried out to prevent the temperature rise in the Baltic Sea.
• We avoid water pollution: we optimise water management, avoid water abstraction in water-stressed areas and limit the volume of inland water abstraction and consumption in all technologies.
• We share knowledge and best practice: the Offshore Wind Environment team shares knowledge and best practice on all offshore wind projects, as well as collaborating with internal and external stakeholders around the world.