© Thomas Peschak

The oceans cover 70% of the earth's surface and act as a significant life-support system for the world. Globally, the marine environment is a transport route, playground, source of resources, means of livelihood and store of biodiversity.

Unfortunately the global oceans have suffered greatly during the past century from competing and often-greedy resource utilisation. This has resulted in the present-day situation where some 75% of our commercial marine species are classified as fully or over-exploited and less than 0.5% of the ocean is within formally protected areas. Nevertheless, it is estimated that over 40% of Africa's population derives its livelihood from coastal and marine ecosytems and resources - a percentage that will continue to increase with current human migration and demographic patterns. It is clear that at least in the medium term, pressures on marine ecosystems are likely to increase considerably. There is thus a great urgency for us to adopt responsible and ecosystem-based practices that take into account the needs of all stakeholders and secures the economic, social and environmental services of our marine ecosystems for the equitable benefit of present and future generations.