10% of the ocean is protected. Now just 20% more to go

Data from the World Database on Protected and Conserved Areas (WDPCA) indicate that more than 10% of the ocean is now protected, marking a significant milestone for ocean conservation efforts.With a global goal to protect 30% of the ocean by 2030, experts warn that efforts must accelerate dramatically: An area roughly the size of the Indian Ocean must be protected within the next four years to meet the goal.While overall coverage is important, protection levels vary widely. For instance, only about 3.3% of the ocean is currently classified as fully or highly protected — and that number may even decrease.Experts have also raised concerns about the quality and effectiveness of many areas designated as “conserved,” which are now counted alongside traditional marine protected areas.

More than 10% of the world’s ocean is now protected to some degree, marking significant progress in global ocean conservation efforts, according to an Apr. 1. annoucement from the U.N. Environment Programme’s World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC).

However, this accomplishment comes six years behind schedule, and experts warn that efforts must pick up speed to meet the more ambitious current goal of protecting 30% of the ocean by 2030. Achieving that will require protecting an additional area about the size of the Indian Ocean within the next four years.