Action Groups

More than 12 million tonnes of plastic waste pollute our ocean each year. The build-up of plastic litter is a testament to everything we use just once in our daily lives, from bottles, cups and packaging, to plastics found in cigarette filters and straws. After heavy rain, many of these items are washed from our…

Coral reefs are also one of the most sensitive ecosystems in the world, acting as a barometer for global warming.  For example, just a small rise in the temperature of the oceans will cause coral reefs to bleach and potentially die if the higher temperature is sustained. Urgent action is needed to protect these vibrant…

Mangroves play a vital role in coastal ecology and in sustaining and securing coastal communities. They reduce the harmful effects of coastal erosion, storms and flooding and are one of the most cost-effective methods of managing disaster risk along coastlines. Mangroves provide a safe nursery – food and protection – for young marine life before…

One of the most effective means for protecting marine and coastal biodiversity is through the establishment and proper management of Marine Protected Areas

Historically, on a pH scale of 1 to 14, the ocean has been around 8.2, which is actually slightly alkaline. (Solutions with a pH less than 7 are acidic and solutions with a pH greater than 7 are basic, or alkaline.)  But since the beginning of the industrial revolution, ocean pH has declined by 0.1…

Ambitious targets to reduce emissions are essential for climate change and ocean health, but by themselves are insufficient. Reducing other human-induced stresses on the ocean and restoring natural marine ecosystems is also essential to build resilience. That means reducing all kinds of pollution (not just plastics) and restoring natural habitats on the coasts and in…

Improving ocean observations – through sharing information and knowledge – will allow us to detect and follow changes in marine conditions that may affect aquatic ecosystems and living marine resources. Sustained observations of the ocean are used to inform decision-making in areas such as coastal development and protection, climate change adaptation, fisheries and agriculture (the…

Cyprus has practised aquaculture for nearly half a century. It has stepped forward as the Commonwealth Blue Charter Champion on Aquaculture, offering expertise in creating sector-wide policies driven by sustainable development and an emphasis on quality and hygiene of aquaculture products. The Commonwealth Blue Charter recognises the importance of managing marine resources effectively. Aquaculture, practised…

In the old ‘business-as-usual’ model, nations develop their ocean economies through the exploitation of maritime and marine resources – for example, through shipping, commercial fishing, and oil, gas, and mineral development.  Often, they don’t pay adequate attention to the effect of these activities on the future health or productivity of the same resources and the…

Coastal fisheries provide a rich source of income and food for the vast majority countries of the Commonwealth. It plays a vital role in many Commonwealth countries, in supporting tourism, food security, recreation, livelihoods and in providing diverse trading opportunities to strengthen national economies. However, due to a variety of reasons, most fisheries has been…