Oceans and seas play a vital role in the context of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as they significantly contribute to the Earth's biosphere's health and the global economy. They are critical to sustaining life on earth, acting as a major source of food and oxygen while also serving as natural carbon sinks that mitigate climate change impacts. SDG 14, "Life Below Water," explicitly acknowledges the importance of conservation and the sustainable use of the world's oceans, seas, and marine resources.
Oceans absorb about 30% of carbon dioxide produced by humans, buffering the impacts of global warming. However, this process has implications such as ocean acidification, negatively impacting marine biodiversity and ecosystems. These impacts, coupled with unsustainable fishing practices and pollution, threaten the health of our oceans and seas. SDG 14 sets targets to prevent and reduce marine pollution of all kinds, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems, and regulate harvesting and end overfishing to restore fish stocks to sustainable levels.
Oceans also support economic wellbeing. Over three billion people depend on marine and coastal biodiversity for their livelihoods. By protecting oceanic ecosystems, the SDGs also support SDG 1, "No Poverty," and SDG 8, "Decent Work and Economic Growth." Furthermore, the oceanic routes are critical for global trade, supporting SDG 9, "Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure."
Furthermore, by implementing strategies for cleaner and more sustainable use of oceans and seas, it can also contribute to SDG 13, "Climate Action." For instance, developing and implementing new technologies to harness energy from waves and tides can promote renewable energy usage and reduce reliance on fossil fuels, aligning with SDG 7, "Affordable and Clean Energy."
Habeebulahi Ajibola Adekilekun, Olorunshola Dave Omodamiro, Ngozi Kalu Achi, Habeebat Adekilekun Oyewusi, Racheal M. Omodamiro, Bashar Adekilekun Tijani, Oluwatosin Olubunmi Oladipo, Fahrul Hayup,
Chapter 5 - Impact of marine pollution on marine microbial products,
Editor(s): Sesan Abiodun Aransiola, Mariam Iyabo Adeoba, Naga Raju Maddela,
Marine Microbial Products,
Academic Press,
2026,
Pages 121-135,
ISBN 9780443438363,
https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-443-43836-3.00012-4.
This chapter explores how pollutants such as microplastics and oil spills disrupt marine microbial communities and ocean ecosystem health, highlighting the need to reduce marine pollution and protect biodiversity in line with SDG 14 (Life Below Water). By emphasizing the impacts of contaminants on aquatic environments and potential risks to human health, it also relates to SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation).
Karuppannan Iswarya, Ulaganathan Arisekar, Rajendran Shalini, Balasubramanian Sivaraman, Shanmugam Sundhar, Balamanikandan Vijayakumar, Antony J. Prabhu Philips,
Chapter 1 - Overview of aquatic food industry waste: challenges, opportunities, and sustainable valorization,
Editor(s): Piyush Kashyap, Tanmay Sarkar, Sajid Maqsood,
Aquatic Waste Valorization,
Academic Press,
2026,
Pages 3-27,
ISBN 9780443440274,
https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-443-44027-4.00013-5.
This chapter aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) because it addresses the environmental impacts of aquatic food industry waste and explores sustainable strategies to reduce pollution and protect water resources.
Aquatic Waste Valorization: Innovative Approaches and Sustainable Strategies: 2026, Pages 29-52
This chapter aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and Goal 14 (Life Below Water) because it highlights how valorizing aquatic waste can reduce water pollution and protect aquatic ecosystems.
The RELX Environmental Challenge celebrates 15 years of supporting clean water and sanitation innovation, marking this significant milestone with an increase in the prize fund and the introduction of a new ocean category.
S. Bhattacharya & G. Nikitas, Energy and Climate Change: Our New Future, 2025, Pages 197-224
This chapter supports SDGs 7, 11, and 13, by providing an overview of wind energy and current challenges and opportunities, with a particular focus on offshore wind energy which is an increasingly important part of the energy transition.
Massimiliano, Rosa-Clot & Tina, Progress in Floating Photovoltaic Systems, 2025, Pages 1-23
This chapter supports SDGs 7, 11, and 13, by providing an overview of floating photovoltaics as a major segment within photovoltaics, reviewing the current situation and future potential of floating PV as a key area of solar energy.
