Martin Koehring - Global Ocean, Sustainability and Health Expert

Plastic Free July is a global movement that helps millions of people be part of the solution to plastic pollution. To mark this occasion, the World Ocean Initiative is highlighting some of our recent coverage on tackling marine plastic pollution.

In a guest article for Innovation News Network I examine how Innovation is crucial to both harness the opportunities a sustainable ocean economy can offer and address the risks that ocean degradation poses. Areas of particular promise for innovative solutions include ocean energy, the decarbonisation of shipping, aquaculture, ecosystem restoration and ‘blue carbon’, ocean geoengineering, and...

Recent World Ocean Initiative coverage highlights the need for systemic change, concerted corporate action and international collaboration.

During Capitol Hill Ocean Week 2020, organised by the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, I moderated a great plenary panel discussion on the high seas. I was joined by six experts on ocean governance to discuss the prospects for a new high seas treaty.

On World Oceans Day I moderated a great webinar on the importance of ocean investment. The webinar also included the screening of the premiere of a new Economist film featuring Sir David Attenborough and other leading ocean thinkers.

For World Oceans Day The Economist Group’s World Ocean Initiative has published a new report highlighting economic and environmental benefits that ocean industries should aspire to achieve by 2030.

On Thursday May 28th I moderated a fantastic webinar on the future of seafood. The panel discussed the most important sustainability challenges facing fisheries and aquaculture.

The World Trade Organisation expects global trade to fall by up to a third in 2020 as covid-19 disrupts supply chains, economic activity and life around the world. The effects on the ocean economy are profound. On May 12th I moderated a World Ocean Initiative webinar to discuss the prospects for the post-coronavirus ocean economy.

With the world battling the coronavirus pandemic, everyone’s first thoughts are for their families and loved ones. I hope all readers are staying safe in these challenging times. The crisis is also having an impact on something else that we all care about—the ocean.

Building a sustainable ocean economy requires brave pioneers and ocean protectors. This month the World Ocean Initiative launched a new season of The Protectors film series and called for nominations for the World Ocean Tech and Innovation Summit.