LIFE BELOW WATER | CESOP Local

Taking into account the geostrategic size and location of the Portuguese sea, monitoring of ocean sustainability by Portugal is considered strategic, therefore the Goal 14 monitoring, which is currently ensured through priority indicators, should be reinforced by other indicators in the near future.

The national approach to the challenges of by Agenda 2030 in the field of the ocean follows the perspective of the integrated maritime policy. Thus, it is important to acquire knowledge of ocean processes and monitor its environmental status, in particular pollution levels and marine litter, as well as maritime spatial planning that ensures that human and economic activities are developed in a sustainable manner and in compliance with environmental values. Included in this approach is the creation of marine protected areas of adequate size and ensuring that fishery management units (stocks) are exploited in a sustainable manner.

Source: INE

Targets

14.1- By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, in particular from land-based activities, including marine debris and nutrient pollution

14.2- By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, including by strengthening their resilience, and take action for their restoration in order to achieve healthy and productive oceans

14.3- Minimize and address the impacts of ocean acidification, including through enhanced scientific cooperation at all levels

14.4- By 2020, effectively regulate harvesting and end overfishing, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and destructive fishing practices and implement science-based management plans, in order to restore fish stocks in the shortest time feasible, at least to levels that can produce maximum sustainable yield as determined by their biological characteristics

14.5- By 2020, conserve at least 10 per cent of coastal and marine areas, consistent with national and international law and based on the best available scientific information

14.6- By 2020, prohibit certain forms of fisheries subsidies which contribute to overcapacity and overfishing, eliminate subsidies that contribute to illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and refrain from introducing new such subsidies, recognizing that appropriate and effective special and differential treatment for developing and least developed countries should be an integral part of the World Trade Organization fisheries subsidies negotiation

14.7- By 2030, increase the economic benefits to small island developing States and least developed countries from the sustainable use of marine resources, including through sustainable management of fisheries, aquaculture and tourism

14.a- Increase scientific knowledge, develop research capacity and transfer marine technology, taking into account the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission Criteria and Guidelines on the Transfer of Marine Technology, in order to improve ocean health and to enhance the contribution of marine biodiversity to the development of developing countries, in particular small island developing States and least developed countries

14.b- Provide access for small-scale artisanal fishers to marine resources and markets

14.c- Enhance the conservation and sustainable use of oceans and their resources by implementing international law as reflected in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which provides the legal framework for the conservation and sustainable use of oceans and their resources, as recalled in paragraph 158 of “The future we want”