Our Scans · (LF.14) Life Below Water · Weekly Summary

In September 2015, 193 world leaders agreed to 17 Global Goals for Sustainable Development. If these Goals are completed, it would mean an end to extreme poverty, inequality and climate change by 2030.
Goal 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development.

• [New] If agreed, a Global Ocean Treaty would be a crucial step towards covering international waters in a network of ocean sanctuaries - areas off-limits to destructive human activities like industrial fishing and the emerging threat of deep sea mining. Greenpeace International
• [New] The High Seas Treaty signals a new era of global ocean governance, but experts warn that it will not stop irreversible damage. Euronews
• [New] Particularly with U.S. and Chinese military platforms now frequently operating near each other in the South China Sea, East China Sea, and Taiwan Strait, there are real risks of incidents, intended or otherwise, that could trigger rapid escalation. Brookings
• [New] There has been an alarming, and frankly astonishing, divergence between Australians' use of the ocean and their respect for its risks. The Sydney Morning Herald
• [New] If a positive can be taken from 2026's shark incidents, it will be to reverse some assumptions and restore respect for the ocean. The Sydney Morning Herald
• [New] CCKA is working with state decision-makers to develop an Ocean Acidification and Hypoxia Policy that will set water quality standards that stop nutrient pollution and hot spots along the California coast. California Coastkeeper Alliance
• [New] Rising temperatures are causing sea levels to rise around the world, putting millions at risk of severe flooding and coastal erosion. Euronews
• [New] Unprecedented recognition of the ocean as a global system essential for climate regulation, biodiversity and human well-being brings hope for constructive action. SEI
• [New] Melting sea ice is creating economic opportunities for Russia from resource extraction to shipping. NPR
• [New] Marine Sector: India currently produces around 70,000 tonnes of seaweed annually, which is far below its actual potential. Ekam IAS Academy
• [New] England's coastline faces significant pressure, with sea levels projected to rise substantially over the coming decades. GOV.UK
• [New] An atmospheric river of moisture could be in place by the weekend, pulling precipitation across Texas and other states along the Gulf Coast and continuing across Georgia and the Carolinas before heading northeast. NBC Chicago
• [New] The ocean economy is projected to be worth more than USD 3 trillion annually by 2030. Standard Chartered
• [New] In the southern Red Sea, Houthi attacks have turned a core lane of Asia-Europe trade into a corridor where every transit is a calculation about risk, insurance, and crew safety rather than just time and fuel. The Maritime Executive
• [New] Woodside Energy and Recfishwest have collaborated to install the Dampier Artificial Reef off the Western Australian coast; a purpose-built reef designed to enhance marine biodiversity and create new recreational fishing opportunities in the Pilbara region. Ipieca
• [New] The South Punjab floods 2026 highlight the growing risks from river releases and monsoon changes. NERDHERD
• [New] EU tariffs on Indian marine products (such as shrimp), leather goods, textiles, handicrafts, gems and jewelry, plastics and toys will be eliminated. The Conversation
• [New] 41% of England's rivers, lakes and streams are currently affected by agricultural pollution, and they will get stronger protection under new proposals to increase oversight on sewage sludge spreading. Water Magazine
• [New] Themed cruises are not just confined to the ocean: Riviera's Culinary Cruises will satisfy hungry passengers as they graze their way along Europe's waterways, sampling local food and wine. Travel
• [New] Key Insight: The Salton Sea region could become a global template for critical mineral extraction-combining energy, battery, and environmental value in a single project model. Farmonaut

Last updated: 02 February 2026