Goals
14
Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development
SDG Goal 14, "Life Below Water," aims to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources for sustainable development. This goal highlights the critical importance of protecting marine ecosystems, reducing marine pollution, and mitigating the impacts of ocean acidification. By focusing on the sustainable management of fisheries, safeguarding marine biodiversity, and enhancing the resilience of coastal ecosystems, Goal 14 seeks to ensure the health and productivity of our oceans. These efforts are essential for supporting marine life, sustaining livelihoods, and promoting global environmental health.
Statistics of Pakistan
Marine Pollution
Approximately 8 million tons of plastic waste enter the oceans globally each year. In Pakistan, coastal areas like Karachi are heavily impacted by plastic and other waste, contributing significantly to marine pollution. Studies show that up to 65% of the waste in Karachi's coastal waters is plastic.
Fisheries and Aquaculture
Pakistan's fisheries sector contributes about 0.4% to the national GDP and provides livelihoods for approximately 1 million people. However, overfishing and unsustainable practices have led to a decline in fish stocks. For instance, the fish catch has decreased by around 40% over the past two decades.
Mangrove Forests
Mangrove forests are crucial for coastal protection and marine biodiversity. Pakistan has around 129,000 hectares of mangroves, mainly in the Indus Delta. Despite efforts to restore these ecosystems, mangroves have been declining due to pollution, land reclamation, and illegal logging. From 1990 to 2010, Pakistan lost about 1,000 hectares of mangroves.
Coral Reefs
Pakistan's coral reefs, located primarily around the coastal areas of Sindh and Balochistan, are under threat from climate change, pollution, and destructive fishing practices. Coral bleaching events have been reported, which can lead to the death of coral species and a decline in marine biodiversity.
Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)
As of recent years, Pakistan has designated about 0.24% of its marine areas as protected, which is significantly below the global target of 10% set by the Convention on Biological Diversity. Effective management and expansion of MPAs are essential to conserve marine life and habitats.
Ocean Acidification
Ocean acidification, driven by increased CO2 emissions, poses a threat to marine life, particularly shellfish and coral reefs. Pakistan, being part of the Arabian Sea, experiences changes in ocean chemistry that affect its marine biodiversity. Ongoing research aims to better understand and mitigate these impacts.