Threats to the Pacific: A Consensus and a Plan

As part of its Pacific Ocean Initiative, the Center for Ocean Solutions—in collaboration with the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Global Marine Programme and the Ocean Conservancy—brought together leading scientists from more than 30 countries to develop Ecosystems and People of the Pacific Ocean – Threats and Opportunities for Action: A Scientific Consensus Statement.

This statement:

1. Identifies the four most serious threats to the health and productivity of the entire Pacific Ocean for which there is broad consensus in the scientific community: pollution, over fishing, habitat destruction and climate change.

2. Shows the commonality of problems faced by both Pacific Rim and Pacific Island nations, by countries very different in wealth, population, size, and culture, and shows the need for regional solutions.

3. Was signed by over four hundred scientists from more than 30 nations

4. Is the first time in history the science community has gotten together to speak with one voice and express a united sense of urgency about the threats facing the Pacific Ocean.

5. Enables leaders to develop a unified effort to address these threats now by identifying the most widespread and persistent threats.

6. Provides a scientific basis for key leaders and decision makers throughout the Pacific region collectively to call for urgent action.

The Statement is one of the first steps in the Pacific Ocean 2020 Challenge, an ambitious initiative by the IUCN to identify the threats and impacts to the Pacific Ocean and to develop and implement solutions.

To sign the Pacific Ocean Scientific Consensus Statement send an e-mail with your name and institution to POIstatement@stanford.edu

Learn More:

centerforoceansolutions.org/initiatives_poi.html