– It’s worse with the sea than we thought, but there is hope – NRK Norway – Summary of news from different parts of the country

In 2018, Prime Minister Erna Solberg established the Maritime Panel. The objective has been to analyze whether it is possible to have a sustainable marine economy worldwide.

On Wednesday, the panel, which is made up of the heads of state from 14 countries, presented its report.

– The world is first and foremost a marine planet, and the ocean’s resources are overloaded and underestimated. This is not sustainable and the nations of the world must cooperate better to ensure clean and productive seas, Prime Minister Erna Solberg said in a press release in connection with the report’s launch.

The sea can give in a bag and in a sack

It is supported by climate scientist Jane Lubchenco of the University of Oregon.

– Without significant changes, the sea will not be able to continue giving us what we need, he said during the Zoom meeting where the report was presented.

This does not mean that one should exploit or protect. It can be put in both bags and sacks.

– A big reason for the crisis at sea is that we thought we had to choose. Fortunately, research shows it’s wrong, Lubchenco said.

She says there are smarter ways to use and utilize the ocean than today. Ways that don’t consume it. It requires a holistic approach (holistic, editor’s note).

– Researchers’ analyzes show that we can get up to six times more food from the sea than we do today. If we do the right things, said the climate scientist.

The report also concludes that investments in the sea can provide huge returns. $ 2.8 trillion invested today could generate $ 15.5 trillion in 2050. If invested in:

• Production of electricity from offshore wind energy.
• Sustainable production of food based on the sea.
• Emission free shipping.
• Restoration of mangroves and vulnerable belts in the transition between land and sea.

Five main recommendations

The 14 countries in the panel have committed to a planned and sustainable management of all their marine and coastal areas. They will also introduce comprehensive plans for the management of their areas within five years.

– This is a necessary and demanding adjustment to secure the sea and the future of the marine economy. The Marine Panel’s package of measures is ambitious, but realistic and, at the same time, absolutely necessary, Solberg said in the press release.

The panel’s main academic report has five main recommendations:

• That decision-making processes around aquaculture must be based on research.
• Participate in purposeful plans for aquaculture.
• Reduce the risk of financing aquaculture projects, including the use of innovative solutions.
• Stop the pollution of the land.
• Do something about calculating measurements at sea so that the total and actual value of maritime and maritime areas is taken into account.