World's oceans need rescue from human carelessness

Trash lines the docks near the U.S. Navy Museum. Photo credit: Devin Harvey/Marine Photobank

From an article posted on the Environmental News Service:

NEW YORK, New York, June 8, 2009 (ENS) - Human activities are taking a "terrible toll" on the world's oceans and seas, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon warned today in a message marking the first United Nations World Oceans Day.

"Vulnerable marine ecosystems, such as corals, and important fisheries are being damaged by over-exploitation, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, destructive fishing practices, invasive alien species and marine pollution, especially from land-based sources," said Ban.

Increased ocean temperatures, sea-level rise and ocean acidification caused by climate change pose further threats to marine life, coastal and island communities and national economies, he said.