Subject Guides: Sustainable Development Goals at NSCC: Goal 14: Life Below Water

About Goal 14

Goal 14, Life Below Water, aims to conserve oceans and sustainably manage marine resources. This goal strives to reduce marine pollution and address ocean acidification, while also preventing overfishing and the degradation of valuable ecosystems.  

Learn more about Goal 14

The Global Goals. (2022, June 28). Protect and restore our ocean [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/dHi8rfElmPA

NSCC and Goal 14

Examples of NSCC initiatives that are helping to advance Goal 14: Life Below Water.

The Centre for Ocean Ventures and Entrepreneurship (COVE)	The Centre for Ocean Ventures and Entrepreneurship (COVE) brings together people, ideas, and resources that propel Canada’s marine technology sector. NSCC has served as the lead post-secondary institution for the development of the facility, working with a partnership which included Waterfront Development, the province’s Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal department and the Institute for Ocean Research Enterprise (IORE). The Centre is a source of innovation and economic growth for Atlantic Canada and will contribute to learning opportunities for students.
NSCC Ocean Technology Program	The NSCC Oceans Technology program teaches students how to deploy technology devices in a marine environment to address industry challenges and research questions. Graduates from this program may go on to protect marine environments, monitor marine resources or advance ocean technology.
Sustainable Lobster Bait	The NSCC Applied Research team has worked with Sea Start Seafood to optimize lobster bait which represents a significant and growing demand in Canada. Mackerel is traditionally used for lobster bait however increased strain on the fishery has made this an increasingly unsustainable option.

Resources and Links

Clean Seas
Through the Clean Seas platform, UNEP is connecting and rallying individuals, civil society groups, industry and governments for catalyzing change and transforming habits, practices, standards and policies around the globe to dramatically reduce marine litter and its negative impacts.
UNDP launches Ocean Promise
UNDP commits to support recovery of nearly $1 trillion in annual socioeconomic losses caused by ocean mismanagement.
UNEP: Addressing marine plastics: a systemic approach
This report identifies gaps to address marine plastics at each value chain stage, and recommends actions to be taken by different stakeholders to achieve a circular economy for plastics at the global level.

Books

Marine Conservation by P. Keith Probert
This book covers conservation issues pertinent to major groups of marine organisms, such as sharks, marine turtles, seabirds and marine mammals; key habitats, from estuaries, wetlands and coral reefs to the deep sea; and from local and regional to international initiatives in marine conservation.
eBook - Overfishing: What everyone needs to know by Ray Hilborn ; Ulrike Hilborn
This book guides readers through the scientific, political, economic and ethical issues associated with harvesting fish from the ocean.
eBook - Plastic soup: An atlas of ocean pollution by Michiel Roscam Abbing
A survey of the plastics clogging our seas, their impacts on wildlife and people around the world, and inspirational initiatives designed to tackle the problem.

Key Organizations

Bedford Institute of Oceanography
Over the last 50 years BIO has grown to become Canada's largest centre for ocean research.
Mi'kmaw Conservation Group: Netukulimk
A mission to promote and restore the concept of Netukulimk in the Bay of Fundy Watershed
Ocean Friendly Nova Scotia
Ocean Friendly Nova Scotia is a voluntary program that recognizes the efforts businesses take to reduce single-use plastics in daily operations.
SOAR: Sustainable Oceans Applied Research
A mission to advance applied research as needed to help restore and maintain sustainable coastal communities and marine ecosystems, with focus areas in clean renewable energy and healthy food supplies.