The ocean, being a significant source of livelihood, food, and medicine for billions, is often referred to as the real lungs of our world. However, human mistreatment is taking a toll on the marine ecosystem's structure, function, and survival. Annual World Oceans Day on June 8 emphasizes conservation for future generations who will undoubtedly feel the effects of our actions today, including pollutants, overfishing, and climate change.

Last month's Our Oceans Conference in Palau established six ways to protect valuable ocean resources: advancing marine protected areas, tackling marine pollution from its source, creating sustainable blue economies, advancing small-scale fisheries, tackling climate change through resilience and action, and enhancing ocean surveillance to combat illegal fishing. Conference moderator Robert Richmond stated that while the problems are wicked, they are addressable, but the window of opportunity is closing quickly.

The ocean produces at least half the world's oxygen and is the main source of protein for over a billion people, according to the United Nations. However, we are taking more from the ocean than can be replenished, with 90 percent of big fish populations used up and 50 percent of coral reefs destroyed.

Fish by-products, made from heads, bones, and off-cuts, can be a sustainable food resource. Up to 14.0 million metric tons of unreported fish catches are potentially traded illicitly each year, worth up to US$17.2 billion, highlighting the urgent need for better management and conservation of ocean resources.