SDG 14 on 'life below water' focuses on the sustainability of the oceans, recognising their essential role in life on our planet. Oceans contain 80 % of all life forms, produce more than 50 % of the Earth's oxygen and play a central role in regulating the climate. In addition, the 'blue economy' provides 4.5 million direct jobs in the EU. To manage maritime activities sustainably and cope with different environmental pressures, the EU has implemented a wide range of policies, such as the common fisheries policy, the marine strategy framework directive and the maritime spatial planning directive, as well as specific legislation related to marine litter. Other new initiatives under the European Green Deal also play an important role in relation to ocean governance and sustainable blue growth, such as the 2030 biodiversity strategy, the offshore renewable energy strategy, the 'Fit for 55' package and the new guidelines on aquaculture.

Pollution, climate change and biodiversity loss are all threatening our sustainable use of marine resources – at the same time we need seafood. It’s a conundrum! Could lights help by deterring the wrong fish from getting into nets? Can AI zap the virulent sea lice that plague fish farmers? And how do zebrafish bridge the gap between aquaculture and medicine?

We all depend on the ocean to survive. Yet, most of us take it for granted and we often forget that it provides us with the food we eat and generates much of the oxygen we breathe.
However, until now, most of the ocean has been ungoverned and its marine biodiversity has been unprotected, which has facilitated unsustainable practices, illegal fishing, pollution and the loss of marine habitats.
The EU aims to strengthen collective efforts to address these issues.

The blue economy must be a priority to protect the oceans from plastics and waste. Hear how you can help in our climate podcast oceans episode.

22 March is United Nations World Water Day, so this episode of CORDIScovery is on water: its quality and security of supply. We will travel from the high Himalayas and delve into the secret lives of freshwater snails to explore water cycles and the latest techniques for monitoring pollution.