Sir David Attenborough has told Prince William that he is “appalled” by the damage certain fishing methods are causing on the world’s oceans. The TV naturalist expressed his concerns ahead of a key UN Oceans conference, which aims to better protect the oceans from plastic pollution, climate change, and over-exploitation.
Attenborough said that if the same level of destruction was happening on land, “everybody would be up in arms.” He highlighted the issue of bottom trawling, which he believes is having a devastating impact on marine life and the ability of the ocean to lock up planet-warming carbon.
The UN’s goal is to get 60 countries to ratify the High Seas Treaty, an agreement signed two years ago to put 30% of the ocean into protected areas. However, only 32 countries have done so, leaving scientists worried that MPAs (Marine Protected Areas) will not be effective without a ban on bottom trawling.
The conference comes at a critical time, as the oceans face growing threats from climate change. The UN says that if it had not absorbed excess heat and greenhouse gases, the world would be facing extreme temperatures, equivalent to Death Valley.
Scientists are warning that deep sea mining in international waters could have disastrous consequences without more research. They argue that too little is known about the ecosystems in the deep sea, making it crucial to act with caution.
The issue of ocean damage is a pressing concern, and Sir David Attenborough’s comments highlight the need for urgent action.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ce82p6yq061o