First World Ocean Assessment (WOA I)

The First Global Integrated Marine Assessment, also known as the “World Ocean Assessment I”, is the outcome of the first cycle of the Regular Process for Global Reporting and Assessment of the State of the Marine Environment, including Socioeconomic Aspects. Hundreds of scientists from many countries, representing various disciplines and steered by a 22-member Group of Experts, examined the state of knowledge of the world’s oceans and the ways in which humans benefit from and affect them. Their findings indicate that the oceans’ carrying capacity is near or at its limit. It is clear that urgent action on a global scale is needed to protect the world’s oceans from the many pressures they face. The first World Ocean Assessment provides an important scientific basis for the consideration of ocean issues by Governments, intergovernmental processes, and all policy-makers and others involved in ocean affairs. The Assessment reinforces the science-policy interface and establishes the basis for future assessments. Together with future assessments and related initiatives, it will help in the implementation of the recently adopted 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly its ocean related goals.

  • Outline of the World Ocean Assessment ( |  |  |  
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  •  (Archive)

Cover photo: Gregory Lecoeur, United Nations World Oceans Day Photo Competition, ()

On 23 December 2015, the United Nations General Assembly adopted resolution 70/235 on “Oceans and the law of the sea,” in which it welcomed with appreciation the first global integrated marine assessment and approved its summary.

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Foreword by the Secretary-General of the United Nations

Foreword by the Secretary-General of the United Nations

Preface by the Joint Coordinators of the Group of Experts of the Regular Process

Preface by the Joint Coordinators of the Group of Experts of the Regular Process

Frontmatter

Frontmatter

Part I Summary

Part I Summary

Part II The Context of the Assessment

Part II The Context of the Assessment

Part III Assessment of Major Ecosystem Services from the Marine Environment (other than provisioning services)

Part III Assessment of Major Ecosystem Services from the Marine Environment (other than provisioning services)

Part IV Assessment of the Cross-cutting Issues: Food Security and Food Safety

Part IV Assessment of the Cross-cutting Issues: Food Security and Food Safety

Part V Assessment of Other Human Activities and the Marine Environment

Part V Assessment of Other Human Activities and the Marine Environment

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Part VI Assessment of Marine Biological Diversity and Habitats

Part VI Assessment of Marine Biological Diversity and Habitats

Section A — Overview of Marine Biological Diversity

Section A — Overview of Marine Biological Diversity

  • Chapter 36. Overall Status of Major Groups of Species and Habitats

Section B — Marine Ecosystems, Species and Habitats Scientifically Identified as Threatened, Declining or Otherwise...

Section B — Marine Ecosystems, Species and Habitats Scientifically Identified as Threatened, Declining or Otherwise...

I. Marine Species

I. Marine Species

II. Marine Ecosystems and Habitats

II. Marine Ecosystems and Habitats

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Section C — Environmental, economic and/or social aspects of the conservation of marine species and habitats and capacity...

Section C — Environmental, economic and/or social aspects of the conservation of marine species and habitats and capacity...

Part VII Overall Assessment

Part VII Overall Assessment