The Blue Planet

SUMMARY: Scientific Forum 2013

Nuclear Applications for a Sustainable Marine Environment

17-18 September 2013, Vienna, Austria

Nuclear Applications for a Sustainable Marine Environment

What's At Stake The disruptive impact of climate change and ocean acidification is a matter of global concern. Human well-being and prosperity depends in large part upon the health and productivity of oceans and the marine environment. However, this vast ecosystem is subject to increasing stress. Many of the stress factors are either caused, or worsened, by human activities on land. As we use more fossil fuels, greater amounts of carbon dioxide are emitted, trapping more heat that warms the oceans. A significant fraction of the emitted carbon dioxide is absorbed by the oceans, where the gas forms carbonic acid, increasing acidity levels. Pollution and resource overexploitation are additional factors that weaken marine ecosystem's’ resilience and make them more vulnerable to deterioration. This global challenge requires a multidisciplinary response to protect marine environments. The IAEA helps Member States use nuclear and isotopic techniques to acquire a precise understanding of the processes at work and to monitor pressures on the marine environment. The IAEA’s 2013 Scientific Forum addressed many of these issues and demonstrated how nuclear and isotopic techniques make an important contribution towards effective stewardship of this essential ecosystem.

Foreword Protect Our Oceans: A Common Asset for Humanity Healthy and productive seas and oceans matter to all of us. They are the cradle of life, producing as much as half of the oxygen on the planet. They influence the climate. They provide abundant food. They are important for tourism, transport and trade. The IAEA’s Scientific Forum 2013 focused on how we can help to protect this irreplaceable global asset. In expert discussion, we learned about the solutions nuclear applications offer to help us ensure a resilient and sustainable marine environment. The welfare and livelihoods of millions of people around the world depend to some extent upon the continuing health of these ecosystems. It is our great responsibility to protect marine environments.

At the IAEA Environment Laboratories in Monaco, scientists study biological processes to understand how marine organisms react to acidification and warming.

They use isotopes to track the sources of pollution and its dispersion. The IAEA also makes available precise and cost-effective tools to help countries acquire scientific data to refine their strategies in mitigating pressures on the oceans.

Through expert training the IAEA helps researchers from developing countries use nuclear techniques to collect this data. Using these skills, researchers develop accurate models to help predict future conditions. With these accurate forecasts in hand, governments can implement effective and cost-efficient strategies to protect the oceans and coastal zones.

Ocean acidification threatens vast marine ecosystems and food webs. A multidisciplinary, global research effort is needed to develop a response to this worsening condition. In July 2012, the IAEA established the Ocean Acidification International Coordination Centre as part of the IAEA Environment Laboratories in Monaco. It shares information and promotes international collaboration in researching and combating ocean acidification.

Global cooperation in addressing the threats facing our oceans has to be a key priority for policy makers. We, at the IAEA, promote a comprehensive approach to the study, monitoring and protection of marine, coastal and terrestrial ecosystems to help strengthen the fragile marine ecosystem’s resilience against mounting stress. When the oceans suffer, we all suffer.

Yukiya Amano, IAEA Director General

Nuclear Applications for a Sustainable Marine Environment

Summary This vast ecosystem is in fact one ocean, interconnected. It is an ecosystem under threat because of decades of overfishing, pollution, habitat destruction, unplanned coastal, urban and industrial development.

In his statement to the 2013 Scientific Forum, HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco referred to the UN Conference on Sustainable Development in June 2012 and the document: “The Future We Want”, which highlights the critical importance of the oceans, seas and coastal areas that form an integrated and essential component of the Earth’s ecosystem and are crucial in sustaining it.

HSH Prince Albert II emphasized the need to work collectively to prevent ocean acidification, the ‘other’ climate change problem. It is a global problem with potentially global consequences for economies and human communities. Ocean acidification is a direct result of climate change. The time has come to enhance the resilience of marine ecosystems and of the communities whose livelihoods depend on them. HSH Prince Albert noted that through marine scientific research and monitoring of ocean acidification, and particularly vulnerable ecosystems, we can protect and restore the health, productivity and resilience of oceans and marine ecosystems.

The Forum heightened awareness among IAEA Member States of the cumulative pressures facing the world’s coasts and oceans, as well as the contribution of nuclear and isotopic techniques in understanding environmental processes, improving management and achieving sustainable development.

The 2013 Scientific Forum has highlighted the certainty that in order to realise peace, health and prosperity for both current and future generations, there is an urgent need for collaborative responses to reduce key man-made pressures, such as pollution and climate change, on coastal and marine environments.

During the Scientific Forum, a wide range of issues were addressed, including the use of neutron activation analysis and electron beam analysis to identify and help in the effort to reduce the flow of pollutants entering the marine environment.

The Forum presented the simple truth that water runs downhill carrying pollutants; activities on land impact the oceans.

Radiotracers help us understand that impact and the effects on complex biological processes. Radionuclides help us understand ocean circulation.

The Forum panellists emphasized that technology transfer and training are essential in ensuring the success of any initiative to better understand the marine environment. At the same time there is a need in many countries to update regulations to accommodate new technology.

This Forum clearly increased Member States’ interest in enhancing their capabilities in using nuclear techniques to address environmental challenges; and it increased their awareness of the need for educational and technical cooperation.

Throughout the Forum, presenters demonstrated how the IAEA promotes a holistic and integrated approach to the study, monitoring and protection of marine, coastal and terrestrial ecosystems.

Nuclear Applications for a Sustainable Marine Environment

Key Messages ➡ Ecosystem and environmental health underpin economic development.

➡ Nuclear and isotopic techniques are important tools to understand mechanical, chemical and biological processes and the functioning of the environment.

➡ Nuclear techniques help in assessing and remediating overall pollution.

➥ Industry, government, research institutes and international organisations such as the IAEA, must work collaboratively to strengthen the resilience of coastal and marine ecosystems against the consequences of climate change and other pressures.

➥ The IAEA coordinates international research activities to reach a comprehensive understanding of the global effects of ocean acidification.

➥ Those involved in nuclear science, life sciences, economics, social sciences and policy makers must work creatively and cooperatively to promote holistic solutions to reduce stress on the marine environments.

Nuclear Applications for a Sustainable Marine Environment

Session Synopsis & Links to Presentations Tuesday, 17 September 2013

Opening Session The marine ecosystems that keep the oceans healthy are subject to increasing stress. This poses risks to all life in the ocean — and all who depend on the oceans.

At the Scientific Forum, experts discussed this multi-faceted problem and ways to tackle it.

Links to Videos and Presentations Opening Session (full length video)

❶ Inaugural address by the IAEA Director General, Mr Yukiya Amano

❷ Video address by HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco

Session Synopsis & Links to Presentations Tuesday, 17 September 2013

Opening Session

❸ Mr Bernard Bigot, Chairman of the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission, France

❻ Ms Wendy Watson-Wright, Assistant Director General and Executive Secretary, UNESCO, Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (video address), France

❹ Mr Vyacheslav Perushkov,

Rosatom Deputy Director General – Director of Directorate for Scientific and Technical Complex, Russian Federation

❼ Keynote Speaker:

Mr Frédéric Briand, Director General, Mediterranean Science Commission, Monaco

❺ Mr Ronald Jumeau,

Ambassador for Climate Change and Small Island Developing State Issues, Seychelle

Nuclear Applications for a Sustainable Marine Environment

Session Synopsis & Links to Presentations Tuesday, 17 September 2013

Session I: Oceans of Change This session focussed on the particular challenge of climate change and ocean acidification.

The session provided an opportunity to highlight, inter alia, the Ocean Acidification — International Coordination Centre (OA-ICC) established at the IAEA Laboratories in Monaco.

Links to Videos and Presentations Session I (full length video, Part 1)

Session I (full length video, Part 2)

❶ Mr Sam Dupont,

❷ Mr Bill Dewey,

Researcher, Coordinator of the Ocean Acidification Infrastructure Facility, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences – Kristineberg, University of Gothenburg, Sweden

Public Policy and Communications Director, Taylor Shellfish Company, USA

Session Synopsis & Links to Presentations Tuesday, 17 September 2013

Session I: Oceans of Change

❸ Mr Rashid Sumaila,

Professor and Director, Fisheries Economics Research Unit at UBC Fisheries Centre, Aquatic Ecosystems Research Laboratory, University of British Columbia, Canada

❻ Mr Raphaël Billé,

Programme Director Biodiversity and Adaptation, Institute for Sustainable Development and International Relations, France

❹ Mr Denis Allemand,

Scientific Director, Centre Scientifique de Monaco, Monaco

❼ Mr Carlos Alonso

Hernandez, Ministerio de Ciencia, Tecnología y Medio Ambiente, Laboratorio de Vigilancia RadiológicaAmbiental, Centro de Estudios Ambientales de Cienfuegos, Cuba

❺ Mr Paul Holthus,

President and founding CEO, World Ocean Council, USA

Nuclear Applications for a Sustainable Marine Environment

Session Synopsis & Links to Presentations Wednesday, 18 September 2013

Session II: Hilltops-to-Oceans This session addressed both radioactive and non-radioactive pollution of coastal and marine ecosystems, emphasising the fact that most marine pollution stems from land-based sources.

The session explored how nuclear techniques can assist industry and municipal authorities to reduce the impacts of land-based sources of marine pollution.

Links to Videos and Presentations Session II (full length video, Part 1)

❶ Mr José Marcus Godoy, Associated Professor, Laboratório de Caracterização de Águas, Departamento de Química, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Session II (full length video, Part 2)

❷ Mr Michio Aoyama, Senior Scientist, Geochemical Research Department, Meteorological Research Institute, Japanese Meteorological Agency, Meteorological Research Institute, Japan

Session Synopsis & Links to Presentations Wednesday, 18 September 2013

Session II: Hilltops-to-Oceans

❸ Mr Yimnang Golbuu,

CEO and Chief Researcher, Palau International Coral Reef Center, Republic of Palau

❻ Mr Bumsoo Han,

CEO, EB-Tech, Republic of Korea

❹ Mr Richard Banati,

Professor and Chair of Medical Radiation Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Sydney, Director National Imaging Facility ANSTO – University of Sydney Node, Australia

❼ Mr Suresh Pillai,

Professor of Microbiology, Director, National Center for Electron Beam Food Research, Texas A&M University, USA

❺ Mr William Cooper,

Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Director of the Urban Water Research Center, University of California / Urban Water Research Center, USA

❽ Mr Ashok Ghosh,

Ex-Director, Health and Safety Group, Raja Ramana Fellow, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, India

Nuclear Applications for a Sustainable Marine Environment

Session Synopsis & Links to Presentations Wednesday, 18 September 2013

Session III: Shores of Resilience This session emphasized how nuclear and isotopic techniques are improving global understanding of coastal processes and their role in sustainable development, while engendering appropriate management responses that build the resilience of coastal and marine systems.

Links to Videos and Presentations Session III (full length video)

❶ Ms Jacqueline Alder,

Head, Freshwater and Marine Ecosystems Branch, United Nations Environment Programme, Kenya

❷ Ms Catherine Chagué-Goff,

Research Fellow, Institute for Environmental Research, ANSTO and School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Australia

Session Synopsis & Links to Presentations Wednesday, 18 September 2013

Session III: Shores of Resilience

❸ Mr Fernando Siringan,

Professor, University of the Philippines, Marine Science Institute, Philippines

❻ Mr Elvis Nyarko,

Head of Department of Marine & Fisheries Sciences, University of Ghana, Ghana

❹ Mr Rudolf Wu, Chair Professor and Director, School of Biological Sciences, University of HongKong, China

❶ Mr Joan-Albert Sanchez-

Cabeza, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Instituto de Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, Mexico

❺ Mr Ashley Townsend,

Deputy Director and Senior Research Fellow, Central Science Laboratory, University of Tasmania, Australia

Nuclear Applications for a Sustainable Marine Environment

Links to Magazine and Videos

IAEA BULLETIN INTERNATIONAL ATOMIC ENERGY AGENCY 54-3-September 2013 • www.iaea.org/bulletin

Protecting Our Marine Environment IAEA Bulletin, September 2013 Human well-being and prosperity depend upon healthy oceans and seas. In this issue of the Bulletin, learn more about the Agency’s work to protect these vitally important ecosystems by helping Member States, as well as the science behind nuclear and isotopic methods to monitor and understand marine environments.

Protecting our marine environment

The Planet Blue — Nuclear Applications for a Healthy Marine Environment We call our earth the “Blue Planet”. Over seventy percent of it is indeed covered by water, but is it really blue? Look closely and you will see that in fact it’s red, yellow, green, black and brown. Our seas are suffering from pollution which is coming from all kinds of man-made sources. The IAEA works with institutes worldwide to study the impact of marine pollution and find ways to prevent and manage it better.

Links to Magazine and Videos

Oceans of Change — Using Nuclear Science to Study Ocean Acidification The negative impacts of man-made CO2 emissions on the environment are already well researched and documented. But the damaging effects of the increasing amounts of carbon dioxide that are absorbed by the oceans are less well known. Marine scientists at the IAEA’s Environment Laboratories in Monaco are using a range of nuclear and isotopic techniques to study a process known as “ocean acidification”, and the impact it is having and will have on marine life, seafood safety and food security.

From Hilltops to Oceans — ­ Managing Pollution in Manila Bay With Isotopic Techniques Manila is one of the many large cities that are situated on the water’s edge.

For these cities the oceans provide jobs, food and opportunities for transportation and recreation. But these pollutants eventually reach the shores and the seas. Scientists from the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI) are monitoring and managing the pollution in Manila Bay with the support of the IAEA.

Nuclear Applications for a Sustainable Marine Environment

Links to Magazine and Videos Shores of Resilience — Protecting Tunisia’s Coastlines with Radionuclide Analysis Tunisia’s coastline stretches for over 1 300 kilometres. It’s a major source of income for the people who live along the coast — that’s around 80 percent of the country’s population. But like many coastal countries around the world, this North African country is trying to cope with the pollution coming from industrial and domestic waste that is affecting its shorelines. The country’s National Center of Nuclear Sciences and Technologies (CNSTN) takes part in a regional IAEA project that supports the use of nuclear and isotopic techniques to manage marine pollution.

Ocean Protection Advocate — Interview with HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco Through the work of his own foundation, HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco supports global campaigns to protect the environment and encourage sustainable development.

One of the Foundation’s priority concerns is marine protection. In this interview, the Prince discusses his country’s on-going support for the activities of the IAEA’s Environment Laboratories in Monaco.

International Atomic Energy Agency PO BOX 100, Vienna International Centre 1400 Vienna, Austria Tel.: (+43-1) 2600-0 Fax: (+43-1) 2600-7 www.iaea.org