The contents of a dead Minke whale's stomach. Image: The Marine Conservation SocietyThe sea's fertility and its capacity for renewal have seemed limitless. But we can now see that the demands we make on the oceans are proving too much in many cases.

Ever-increasing human populations with their often intensive activities are in many instances seriously threatening the health and well-being of the oceans and coastal areas. Core issues include:

• pollution – its causes, effects and how to respond
• resource exploitation (including over-fishing and drilling for oil and gas)
• protecting marine biodiversity
• shipping and ports
• over-population

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