Moving Toward Marine Net Gain

The ocean generates half of the oxygen that we breathe and absorbs 25 percent of all CO2 emissions. Climate change and human activities are affecting ocean health and the vitality of marine habitats. Warming waters, acidification, and pollution from land circulating into and through the ocean are degrading marine ecosystems in areas around the world. Yet the possibility exists for marine habitat restoration to safeguard ocean health, which is crucial to the global economy. In accordance with the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals, the concepts of biodiversity net gain (BNG) and marine net gain (MNG) are gaining traction. Marine habitat restoration could contribute to MNG, carbon sequestration, port decarbonization and shoreline protection, as well as enabling a continuing source of food and livelihoods for coastal communities.