Editorial: World’s oceans: opportunities and challenges looking under the sea

HUGHES, MELANIE; FERNÁNDEZ SEVERINI, MELISA; SCODELARO BILBAO, PAOLA GABRIELA

FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE

Frontiers Media SA

Año: 2024 vol. 11

2296-7745

With around 70% of its surface covered by water, Planet Earth surely warrants the name Planet Ocean. The Earth´s oceans are home to a vast subsurface biodiversity offering a wealth of opportunities that remain mostly untapped. In recent years, interest in marine organisms as a renewable and sustainable source of biomolecules with potential biotechnological applications has surged. However, the numerous pollutants found in marine ecosystems, from emergent contaminants like microplastics and nanoparticles to heavy metals and nutrients, all pose a threat to our oceans. The unique, resource-rich coastal and marine biodiversity is in danger of degradation owing to the high population density, the high pollutant load and poor public policies addressing these issues. Thus, this issue gives special attention to emerging opportunities, challenges and constraints, with a view to coordinating efforts towards sustainable ocean development. The particular focus is on marine organisms as sources of potential pharmacological, food and cosmetic bioactive compounds and for aquaculture.