Polluted water in a harbour on the Wadden Sea, off Germany.

Development for industry, aquaculture, ports, coastal defences and tourism can result in losses of important wildlife habitats such as wetlands.

By taking an ecosystem approach, i.e. one that considers the importance and interrelationship of oceanic process and wildlife, and the repercussions that a range of human activities have on our oceans, it will be possible to promote the sustainable use of our oceans.

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Photo: Mauri Rautkari/WWF UK