Ocean conservation and sustainability are imperative in the current landscape, but the ocean technology ecosystem must be made more innovation-friendly and accessible
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This article is part of the essay series “Sagarmanthan Edit 2024”
The ocean is vast, covering over two-thirds of the Earth's surface, and plays a crucial role in sustaining life. No matter how far inland we live, the ocean continues to affect us. Beyond its breathtaking scenery, the ocean contributes significantly to the environment, providing half of the oxygen we breathe. Additionally, the ocean influences global climate and water cycles, making it a food source and a means of livelihood worldwide. Therefore, it’s accurate to say: “The ocean is our life.” Its critical role is acknowledged in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 14, which aims to, “conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources for sustainable development”.
The ocean influences global climate and water cycles, making it a food source and a means of livelihood worldwide.
However, as we progress through the Anthropocene epoch, human activities have left significant scars on the environment, especially the ocean. Intensive exploitation of natural resources has led to environmental degradation and a rise in global temperatures, adversely impacting the ocean. Problems like marine plastic litter, ocean acidification, warming waters, and overfishing threaten ocean ecosystems and the billions of people who rely on the ocean for their livelihoods. If we fail to act, these challenges will affect not only marine life but also food security, human health, and even our homes.
Given these challenges, a wide array of innovative initiatives and technologies have been developed to address the problems facing our oceans. For instance, trash interceptors help collect river-borne trash before it reaches the sea, while artificial coastlines capture plastic debris. Additionally, 3D-p rinted coral supports the restoration of coral reefs, and mercury capture systems reduce harmful emissions from artisanal gold mining, preventing further oceanic contamination. Renewable energy initiatives also help mitigate climate change impacts by reducing fossil fuel consumption, thereby, helping curb ocean warming and acidification. When implemented effectively, these technologies have a significant potential to alleviate the ocean’s woes.
Trash interceptors help collect river-borne trash before it reaches the sea, while artificial coastlines capture plastic debris.
However, the journey towards the widespread implementation of these technologies is far from straightforward. Ocean-friendly innovations face various barriers that limit their effectiveness on a larger scale. These include the high costs of new technologies, the need for substantial investment to reach economies of scale, intellectual property restrictions, and complex installation and operation procedures. Beyond the technology itself, the ocean technology ecosystem is not particularly innovation-friendly. Research and development (R&D) in the field is limited, site leasing and environmental assessments pose challenges for new projects, and funding for ocean-based industries is often scarce compared to other tech industries. Together, these factors create a significant hindrance to the advancement and global accessibility of ocean-friendly technologies.
It is not that there is an absence of regulation to support innovation in ocean industries. The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), adopted in 1982, contains provisions for marine technology development and mandates technology-sharing with developing nations. UNCLOS Article 266, for example, supports the development and transfer of marine science and technology, particularly for marine conservation and scientific research. UNCLOS 268 outlines objectives such as promoting knowledge sharing, enhancing technology and infrastructure, building human resource capacities, and fostering international cooperation, particularly in marine research.
Despite these well-intended frameworks, the reality is that the implementation and enforcement of these regulations remains limited. Inequalities persist, with developed countries reaping the benefits of ocean technology far more than their developing counterparts. This discrepancy reveals a gap between the existing legal framework and the on-ground challenges of ocean technology accessibility.
UNCLOS 268 outlines objectives such as promoting knowledge sharing, enhancing technology and infrastructure, building human resource capacities, and fostering international cooperation, particularly in marine research.
To address these challenges, we need a fresh approach that goes beyond current legislation. International organisations can play a pivotal role by creating funds specifically for ocean-related R&D activities, ensuring that the public benefits of these technologies are accessible without compromising private sector incentives. Additionally, these organisations can support capacity-building programmes that empower both governments and private sectors in emerging markets, enabling them to take part in ocean technology development. For instance, international funding could support scientific research partnerships, and infrastructure and training programmes that help developing countries participate in advancing ocean technologies.
Moreover, apart from direct incentives, international organisations might consider implementing mechanisms similar to the carbon credit tax. Carbon credits are part of a system where companies pay for the amount of carbon dioxide (CO₂) they emit; in other words, if a company releases more carbon into the atmosphere, it incurs higher costs. This system encourages companies to minimise their emissions by creating a financial incentive that pushes for innovative solutions and cleaner operations. In the context of ocean sustainability, a similar system could be implemented where companies that contribute to ocean pollution—whether through plastic waste, overfishing, or chemical runoff—would be taxed or fined. These funds could then be redirected toward ocean conservation projects or technological innovation aimed at reducing marine pollution. By implementing this type of approach, private sector entities would be encouraged to invest in sustainable ocean innovations to offset their environmental impact. This policy could motivate industries to prioritize reducing ocean pollution through technological advancement and responsible practices, promoting a long-term shift toward ocean sustainability.
Furthermore, collaborative initiatives between developed and developing countries, alongside private companies, could facilitate technology transfer through joint ventures, shared research, and mutually beneficial resource sharing. This approach not only incentivizes private sectors to invest in ocean sustainability, but also makes ocean-friendly technologies more affordable and accessible to lower-income nations.
Collaborative initiatives between developed and developing countries, alongside private companies, could facilitate technology transfer through joint ventures, shared research, and mutually beneficial resource sharing.
It is also crucial to monitor and ensure compliance with the UNCLOS. Establishing an international monitoring system and database dedicated to tracking the progress of ocean technology transfer and the adherence to legal commitments can enhance accountability. This mechanism would allow stakeholders to track advancements, identify gaps, and ensure that both technological and legal developments align with the sustainability objectives outlined in SDG 14.
To achieve these goals, governments and international organisations must work together to foster an environment conducive to ocean innovation. Governments can contribute by simplifying regulatory requirements for ocean-friendly projects, offering tax incentives, and providing grants for R&D. Creating “blue economy” zones, where ocean-friendly technologies can be tested and scaled under less restrictive conditions, could also accelerate innovation in this field.
The ocean’s role in sustaining life on Earth cannot be overstated, and the challenges it faces call for innovative, collaborative solutions. By implementing mechanisms that make ocean technology more accessible, and fostering a supportive ecosystem for ocean innovation, we can work toward achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
To ensure that ocean innovation flourishes, constant efforts, funding, and collaboration are required. Only through a concerted, well-supported approach towards ocean sustainability, can we hope to make meaningful progress toward achieving SDG 14 and protecting one of the most vital components of our ecosystem.
Suthikorn Kingkaew is the Director of Research at Future Innovative Thailand Institute (FIT).
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Suthikorn Kingkaew is working as an academic practitioner at leading universities in Thailand. He has PhD in Management Studies from Cambridge University. He has conducted ...
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