Transboundary Waters Assessment Programme (TWAP) Vol. 4: Large Marine Ecosystems: Status and trends - Summary for Policy Makers

This policy summary document presents the key findings of a global assessment of 66 large marine ecosystems (LMEs) under the Transboundary Waters Assessment Programme (TWAP). Spearheaded by UNEP and IOC-UNESCO, this evaluation underscores the critical role LMEs play in supporting coastal populations, fisheries, biodiversity, and economic livelihoods, contributing an estimated US$28 trillion annually to the global economy. However, the report reveals escalating risks from climate change, overfishing, pollution, and habitat loss, especially in developing countries across Africa and Asia. Key stressors include rising sea surface temperatures, collapsing fish stocks, plastic debris, persistent organic pollutants, and eutrophication. The assessment calls for integrated, multi-sectoral governance; stronger monitoring; expanded marine protected areas; and enhanced data systems. It advocates for sub-LME scale analyses and underscores the importance of LMEs in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 1, 2, and 14.