06/06/2025
As we prepare to mark World Oceans Day this Sunday (8th June), the United Nations invites us to reflect on this year’s theme: “Wonder: Sustaining What Sustains Us”. The theme underscores the “seemingly endless source of sustenance, potential, wisdom, and awe” represented by our oceans. However, the UN observes that “humanity has grown increasingly isolated from the natural world and siloed in our self-preservation; and there is no clearer evidence of our selfish and short-sighted actions than in the ocean’s dire state” (here).
Accounting for over 70% of the Earth’s surface, our oceans are vital for regulating climate, supporting biodiversity, and sustaining human livelihoods. Over 3 billion people rely on the oceans to provide most of their protein, with 20% of all animal protein consumed globally coming from the seas. The health of our oceans is not some abstract nicety; it is essential for the survival of the human species.
But, our oceans are not in great shape. Climate change, pollution, and overfishing are putting an unprecedented strain on our seas. While many of us are aware of the plight of the oceans, the UN hopes that by taking a moment to consider the “Wonder” of our great oceans, we may be inspired to take action to solve some of the systemic threats they face. But many innovators and pioneers don’t need this UN message; they are already working to overcome this trifecta of thalassic threats.
In Hot Water – Climate Change
The ocean absorbs about 90% of the excess heat generated by greenhouse gas emissions, leading to a rise in ocean temperatures. While the Paris Agreements pledged to keep global warming below 2°C above pre-industrial levels, ocean temperatures have already increased by an average of 1.45°C, with clear hotspots above 2°C in the Mediterranean, Tropical Atlantic Ocean and Southern Oceans (here). This warming has doubled in rate over the past two decades, contributing to sea-level rise and widespread coral bleaching. Notably, the 2023–2025 global coral bleaching event has affected approximately 84% of the world’s coral reef ecosystems. A warming ocean is also likely to accelerate the rise in global temperatures. A warmer ocean accelerates the melting of the Arctic and Antarctic ice sheets which normally play a key role in mitigating climate change by reflecting the Sun’s energy back into space, the albedo effect. In addition, the solubility of carbon dioxide in water decreases as temperature increases; so as the sea warms, its ability to absorb our greenhouse gases to fight climate change is diminished.
The technological solutions to warming oceans are essentially the same as those needed to fight climate change in general. We have discussed these at length here and here. However, a full understanding of the health of our oceans is impossible without accurate and reliable data.
To monitor and address these changes, autonomous vessels like the Mayflower Autonomous Ship (MAS) have been developed by ProMare with support from IBM. MAS is a fully automated surface vessel capable of conducting sophisticated oceanographic analyses without a human crew. It leverages AI to collect data on ocean temperatures, salinity, and other critical parameters, aiding in climate change research and mitigation efforts (here).
Sea Clearly – Pollution
An estimated 75 to 199 million tonnes of plastic currently pollute our oceans, with 8 million tonnes added annually. This pollution affects over 700 marine species and has led to the formation of massive garbage patches, like the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, which spans 1.6 million square kilometres (here).
As we previously discussed (here) there are specific insidious risks associated with plastic pollution, particularly microplastics, when they enter the food chain. Research is at an early stage, but there is a growing body of evidence linking microplastics and associated chemicals to a variety of health issues including low fertility, diabetes, and even some cancers in humans (here).
While on a diving holiday in Greece at just 16 years old, Boyan Slat was saddened at the amount of plastic pollution he encountered. Buoyed by youthful optimism, Boyan founded The Ocean Cleanup and set about trying to solve this issue using technology (here).
As described in European Patent application number EP 3622119 A1, Boyan developed a system for collecting floating waste comprising a barrier having both a floating portion and a submerged portion. The barrier is configured to utilise the wind to move faster than the floating pollution, such that the barrier is able to effectively collect ocean pollution. In 2024 alone, The Ocean Cleanup extracted 11.5 million kilograms of trash from the seas.
Many other innovators are developing biodegradable plastic solutions; even if such plastic waste were to enter the oceans, it would simply degrade providing a reduced threat to marine life and our health. We have previously discussed the advantages and disadvantages of this approach here.
Net Gains – Overfishing
Overfishing has led to the depletion of one-third of global fish stocks, threatening food security and the health of marine ecosystems. The removal of key species disrupts food chains and can lead to the collapse of local fisheries (here). Advancements in fishing gear and practices are being developed to reduce bycatch and allow fish populations to recover. For instance, selective fishing nets and real-time monitoring systems help ensure that only target species are caught, minimising ecological impact. US Patent US 9137976 B2 describes an improved fishing hook that is configured to prevent the bycatch of sea birds.
German based naval engineering firm Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems GmbH has gone one step further. Their International Patent application number WO 2019/057558 A1 describes an autonomous underwater craft for monitoring a potential school of fish and estimating the percentage of bycatch, thus allowing a decision to be made on whether to fish this particular school or to search for a more profitable one.
The Tides are Changing
World Oceans Day 2025 serves as a reminder of the critical role that innovation and intellectual property play in preserving the awe-inspiring wonder of our oceans. By fostering the development and dissemination of technologies aimed at reducing pollution and protecting marine ecosystems, pioneering innovators supported by patents are charting a course towards a more sustainable future.
This article is for general information only. Its content is not a statement of the law on any subject and does not constitute advice. Please contact Reddie & Grose LLP for advice before taking any action in reliance on it.
