You won’t have to imagine for long – this may soon be reality. 90% of the world’s big fish have already been wiped out. 50% of our coral reefs are gone.

Even though oceans cover two-thirds of the planet, less than 1% are protected from human activity. This means that practically all our oceans are open to dumping, industrial fishing and mining. We are emptying our seas of life and polluting them with waste like never before.

But this year we have a chance to start turning it around. 2010 is the International Year of Biodiversity. The UN has stated that the 2010 Biodiversity Target is a strong international commitment to reduce the current rate of biodiversity loss. We can reach this target in October.

Convention on Biological Diversity

Japan is hosting a meeting in October of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) – the body charged by the UN with conserving the world’s animals and plants.

In 2001, the CBD parties agreed to establish a global network of marine reserves. It was a positive move, as marine reserves are essential for conservation. But sentiment has not been followed up with sufficient action. It was agreed that by 2012, 10% of the world’s oceans would be designated marine reserves, with a long-term goal to reach 30%. We have yet to achieve even 1%. At the current rate, we won’t meet the 2012 target until 2069 – this is far too late.

Seeking Solutions
Greenpeace is demanding that 40% of the world’s oceans are turned into marine reserves. This needs to happen not in 50 years, not in 20 years, but now. With our oceans in urgent crisis, we don’t have time to spare.
Let’s make it clear to the parties of CBD that there’s massive support for marine protection. Add your voice now and ask your friends to do the same.

What are marine reserves?

Marine reserves are areas that are closed to all extractive and destructive uses, such as fishing, mining and dumping. They are the most powerful tool available for the conservation of marine biodiversity. Marine reserves also benefit fisheries by promoting the recovery of exploited species. The network we propose aims to protect places that are biologically rich or places that are particularly vulnerable or threatened.

Time to act

The simple fact is that we need to defend our oceans, because without them, life on earth cannot exist.  Pledge your name to protect 40% of the world’s oceans with marine reserves.

Take action, sign the Marine Reserves petition now!

This guest post was by Greenpeace Australia – please sign up to them for more information and to keep up to date with issues. Greenpeace ARE making a difference!

Thanks to Marj_K for the AMAZING photo! Love it!