Have you ever wondered how oceans deteriorate? Bodies of water in the Asia-Pacific region are experiencing a host of issues: lower pH and oxygen, rising sea levels, elevated temperatures, and depleted marine habitats like coral reefs and coastal mangroves.
That is, until the pandemic happened.
The world has virtually shut down due to COVID-19 pandemic, with billions of people staying at home. An unexpected boon of the decrease in human activity? Fishing stocks have recovered, carbon emissions have been slashed, and greener technologies have been promoted.
Why is the pandemic a window of opportunity for marine life?
This was dubbed as a “window of opportunity” for our region’s fragile oceans, according to a report released by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) on 13 May 2020.
According to a report, Asian waters are the most trafficked in the world. It is home to nine of the ten busiest ports globally as well as extensive fishing activity. More than 60% of the world’s marine capture fish production comes from Asia and the Pacific.
What’s the silver lining of this pandemic?
Numerous reports of an abundance of wildlife, including dolphins, whales and dugongs, being spotted off Thailand and Malaysia are signs of natural recovery.
Not only that, shutdowns of mass tourism could also fast track marine habitat recoveries by years. The sudden collapse of the oil industry also means that only a few tankers will be plying the world’s oceans, leading to fewer chances of hazardous oil spills.
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Source: Channel News Asia
