KUALA TERENGGANU: A collective effort by all parties is needed to protect the oceans that are increasingly under threat now.

Universiti Malaysia Terengganu's Institute of Oceanography and Environment Centre for Ocean Governance head Prof Dr Wan Izatul Asma Wan Talaat said according to the latest United Nations (UN) scientific data, the big fish population had decreased by 90 per cent.

"The data also shows that the destruction of coral reefs continues to increase by 50 per cent. We have exploited the oceans far more than we can replenish while the rapid pace of physical development on earth has brought about detrimental effects on the oceans.

"Global warming has also resulted in dramatic extreme climate change. The increase in water temperature causes water to evaporate in larger amounts, condenses it into clouds which will result in intense storms that can cause physical damage to settlements and infrastructure," she said in a statement today.

She added that a warmer atmosphere also causes glaciers and mountain snow packs as well as the ice shield in Antarctica to melt, leading to an increase in global sea level and threatening Malaysia's coastal areas.

Wan Izatul Asma said the situation was very worrying because at least 50 per cent of the oxygen on earth comes from the oceans which are also the natural habitat of most of the earth's biodiversity resources and the main source of protein for the world's population.

Therefore, she said the involvement of the local community was also vital in ensuring that efforts to protect the oceans could be implemented effectively.

"The United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has recommended 10 ways for the community to help save the oceans such as using water prudently, reduce pollutants and fish responsibly," she said.

-- BERNAMA