1.2.3 Marine ecosystem services

We depend on the marine environment in a multitude of ways, which is why it is so important that we use and manage this resource in a sustainable and equitable way.

The marine environment covers two thirds of our planet and we are increasingly aware of the scale and scope of the services and benefits that it provides: from fish stocks, fossil fuels and aggregates; through carbon capture, waste disposal, and nutrient recycling; to providing the setting for cultural and spiritual fulfilment and an ever increasing variety of leisure and recreational activities.

A list of the different types of ecosystem services provided by the marine environment is detailed in the following sub-sections following the four Millennium Ecosystem Assessment [2005] categories of supporting, regulating, provisioning and cultural services.