The maritime sector is crucial for the history, economy, and culture of 54 coastal and island nations with lower and lower-middle income levels, offering significant potential for economic growth. However, this potential is hindered by challenges such as overfishing, pollution, habitat degradation, invasive species, and climate change. Approximately 35% of fish stocks are overexploited, while 5 to 12 million metric tons of plastic enter our oceans annually. Ocean acidification and low-oxygen zones threaten vital ecosystems like coral reefs and mangroves. The ocean economy, valued at around USD 2.3 trillion annually,........

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