Issue: Condition of the ocean and coastal waters - Condition of marine genetic diversity
This is an issue under the Coasts and oceans theme of the Data Reporting System.
Why we need to know about this issue
The health of the ocean’s biodiversity is crucial to the condition of the oceans themselves. Marine biota are important to both water quality and to the ocean’s capacity to regulate the global climate. Physical marine conditions such as water quality, salinity, alkalinity and temperature are likewise essential to the well-being of marine life.
Genetic diversity of species and communities is essential to the health and resilience of ecosystems and to maintaining the health of marine biodiversity and the contribution of biodiversity to the condition of the oceans.
Indicators
- CO-69 Research/examples relating to declines in marine biodiversity and/or the role of genetic diversity in ecosystem resilience
At present, examples of species whose genetic diversity is declining, particularly where the decline can be directly related to a human pressure, are the only meaningful indicators available for condition of genetic diversity more broadly.
Related issues
- Coasts and Oceans - Condition of the ocean and coastal waters- Condition of fisheries
- Coasts and Oceans - Condition of the ocean and coastal waters- Condition of marine vegetation
- Coasts and Oceans - Condition of the ocean and coastal waters- Condition of species, habitats and ecosystems
- Biodiversity - Species, habitats and ecological communities- Species diversity
Key
Links to another web site
Links to data in the DRS
Opens a pop-up window
Before you download
Some documents are available as PDF files. You will need a PDF reader to view PDF files.
List of PDF readers
If you are unable to access a publication, please contact us to organise a suitable alternative format.