EDA Director’s Note

THE FUTURE OF OCEANS

IBRAHIM AL-ZU’BI

EDA’s Co-Founder Oceans cover more than two thirds of the Earth’s surface. They are home to millions of species, provide a key source of protein to people on every continent, and play an enormous role in regulating our planet’s climate, water cycle, and more. They are facing tremendous disruption from human action, from rising temperatures and overfishing, to acidification, to plastic pollution. Despite the bad news about the state of the oceans, there are many positive examples which prove that it is possible to protect the seas and utilise marine resources sustainably. For example, the decision by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) to introduce stricter emission limit values for shipping. Another success is the commercial whaling moratorium, which entered into force in 1986, ending the commercial hunting of the great whales. Although some countries continue to hunt whales, the number of whales killed has decreased dramatically. If the marine environment is to be protected more effectively, based on the sustainable management of its resources, there must be better coordination between its conservation and diverse uses.

A well-informed public with a good understanding of the marine environment can make use of the necessary pressure to effect policy changes. To that end however, it is often necessary to provide support in the form of aid projects so that people are able to take responsibility for the sustainable management of their environment. This capacity building is now a policy demand at the highest level and is in the heart of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

By 2050 our seas will be more than a platform for tourism and recreation, but rather an ocean for solutions. Our sustainable energy solutions will be aided by marine algae-derived biofuel, while new medicines to treat modern diseases will be derived from sea creatures with novel chemical structures.

Scuba diving delivers a different perspective to the ocean’s marine wildlife by personally touching everyone through its delicate yet fierce presence. Being at one with the ocean runs as deep as its waters and fills diver’s hearts with the mystery to which the ocean presents itself. Diving and experiencing the rich beauty in untouched nature and respecting the ocean is a huge part of being a responsible diver. Forming friendly relationships with other divers in the community may give you the feeling of responsibility to protect our waters which is truly unique.

There is still so much we do not know. We need to keep learning about our water world, especially the deep sea and the immense role of the oceans in global climate change. All of us need to do our part. We are all stewards of the ocean and the planet. We must continue to explore. We must continue to study the things we do not yet understand, and protect the resources we have for future generations.

Shared oceans protected by all, holds the solutions for the planet’s future.

Together, we can make a difference.

Dive Safe!

Ibrahim Al-Zu’bi