Changing Ocean, Marine Ecosystems, and Dependent Communities

Abstract

The ocean is a key component of the Earth system (Chapter 1) as it provides essential life supporting services (Inniss et al. 2017). For example, it stores heat trapped in the atmosphere caused by increasing concentrations of greenhouse gases, it masks and slows surface warming, it stores excess carbon dioxide and is an important component of global biogeochemical cycles. The ocean is the home to the largest continuous ecosystem, provides habitats for rich marine biodiversity, is an essential source of food and contributes to human health, livelihood and security. The ocean also supports other services to humans, for example, transport and trade, tourism, renewable energy, and cultural services such as aesthetic appeal, local and traditional knowledge and religious practices. Governance of the ocean has a unique set of challenges and opportunities compared with land systems and requiring different treatment under a changing climate.