Goal 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development

Over three billion people depend on marine and coastal biodiversity for their livelihoods. However, 30 percent of the world’s fish stocks are overexploited, reaching below the level at which they can produce sustainable yields, ocean acidification has risen 26 percent since the beginning of the industrial revolution, and an average of 13,000 pieces of plastic litter are found on every square kilometer of ocean. This goal aims to sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems from pollution, as well as address the impacts of ocean acidification. Enhancing conservation and the sustainable use of ocean-based resources through international law will also help mitigate some of the challenges facing our oceans.

Interaction with SDG 3

Supporting the restoration of fish stocks to improve and diversify healthy diets is one example of how this goal can help achieve SDG3 targets.