Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the importance of horseshoe crab conservation, emphasizing ongoing research and monitoring efforts in the Beibu Gulf to protect this ancient marine species, which is crucial for marine biodiversity [4][5]. Group 1: Research and Monitoring Efforts - The Fourth Institute of Oceanography has been conducting surveys of horseshoe crab resources in the Beibu Gulf, providing essential scientific support for the conservation of this valuable species [4]. - A long-term monitoring network has been established in key habitats such as Shatian and Zhulin, allowing researchers to accurately track population dynamics, distribution patterns, and habitat changes [4]. - This year's survey has successfully completed field monitoring of three important horseshoe crab habitats, focusing on both population and environmental quality assessments [4]. Group 2: Data Collection and Analysis - The research team collected sediment and water samples from habitats to analyze environmental factors affecting horseshoe crab survival and reproduction, which will inform habitat protection and restoration efforts [4]. - In the previous year's monitoring, a notable density of horseshoe crabs was recorded in the Shatian area, reaching 46.88 individuals per 100 square meters, indicating a relatively healthy habitat and the potential success of long-term conservation efforts [5]. Group 3: Regional and Global Collaboration - The Fourth Institute of Oceanography joined the Asia-Pacific Horseshoe Crab Observation Network in 2021, promoting standardized monitoring methods and international sharing of conservation experiences and research results [5].

Core Insights - The Mediterranean region is facing a significant environmental crisis, highlighted by the discovery of 167 pieces of waste, primarily plastic, in the Calypso Deep, indicating a broader global ocean health crisis [1] - The third United Nations Ocean Conference held in Nice, France, gathered over 15,000 representatives from more than 170 countries, resulting in the release of the "Nice Ocean Action Plan" aimed at urgent global cooperation for ocean protection [1][4] Ocean Health Status - The "Starfish Barometer," the first annual global ocean health assessment report, warns of alarming changes: global sea levels have risen approximately 23 centimeters since 1901, with projections for 2024 to reach new highs [2] - Ocean heat content is at its highest since 1960, with sea surface temperatures rising by 0.25 degrees Celsius, exacerbating extreme weather and accelerating ocean acidification [2] - Human activities are linked to these changes, with global fossil fuel CO2 emissions projected to reach 3.74 billion tons in 2024, and over one-third of fishery resources are overfished, increasing by about 1% annually [2] Conference Outcomes - The "Nice Ocean Action Plan" consists of a political declaration and voluntary commitments from countries, calling for specific measures to protect oceans, including expanding marine protected areas and addressing marine pollution [6] - The conference also advanced the process of protecting marine biodiversity, with 19 countries approving a UN agreement aimed at enhancing the conservation of marine biodiversity in international waters [6] China's Participation - China's extensive participation in the conference was recognized, showcasing a multi-sectoral approach to global ocean governance, including sustainable fishing practices and the development of marine ranching [8] - The introduction of the COAST toolkit, developed by Chinese research institutions, aims to provide systematic solutions for coastal cities facing climate change challenges, emphasizing data sharing and international collaboration [9][10] Global Research Initiatives - Several global ocean research initiatives were launched, including the "Neptune Mission" for deep-sea exploration and the establishment of the "Space4Ocean Alliance" to integrate space technology with ocean monitoring [9] - Chinese research institutions played a significant role in these initiatives, contributing to global data sharing and capacity building in ocean governance [9]

Core Viewpoint - The third United Nations Ocean Conference held in Nice, France, from June 9 to 13, proposed the "Nice Ocean Action Plan" to address global ocean governance issues, particularly focusing on marine biodiversity protection [1][2]. Group 1: Ocean Governance and Biodiversity - The conference addressed critical issues such as overfishing, climate change impacts, and unsustainable resource management [1]. - The "Nice Ocean Action Plan" consists of a political declaration calling for specific actions, including expanding marine protected areas, decarbonizing the shipping industry, addressing ocean pollution, and funding for vulnerable coastal and island regions [1]. - As of June 13, 136 countries, regions, and organizations signed the agreement on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction, with 50 already ratifying it, nearing the target of 60 [2]. Group 2: Climate Change and International Cooperation - Ocean governance is deemed crucial for global climate governance, with the ocean carbon sink being 20 times larger than terrestrial carbon sinks and 50 times larger than atmospheric carbon [3]. - The conference highlighted the importance of multilateralism in addressing global challenges such as climate change and rising sea levels, with China being recognized for its contributions to ocean governance [3]. - Participants emphasized the need for international cooperation in protecting the planet, with calls for all nations to collaborate rather than act unilaterally [3].

Core Viewpoint - The upcoming United Nations Ocean Conference aims to accelerate actions and mobilize all stakeholders to protect and sustainably use the oceans, focusing on marine biodiversity, fisheries subsidies, and the "30 by 30" target [1] Group 1: Marine Biodiversity Protection - The conference will address the goal of obtaining 60 ratifications for the "Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction," which is crucial for its effectiveness [2] - As of June 5, only 32 countries or regions have ratified the agreement, indicating significant work remains to reach the target [2] - French President Macron emphasized the need for sustainable management of the high seas and the establishment of marine protected areas [2] Group 2: Fisheries Subsidies - The conference will push for the implementation of the "Fisheries Subsidies Agreement," which aims to curb harmful fishing subsidies and establish binding multilateral rules [3] - The agreement prohibits illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, as well as subsidies for overfished species and fishing in unregulated high seas [3] - Currently, 101 out of the required 111 World Trade Organization members have accepted the agreement, with China being one of the early signatories [3] Group 3: "30 by 30" Target - The "30 by 30" target aims to protect at least 30% of global land and ocean by 2030, but only 2.8% of the ocean is currently assessed as potentially effectively protected [4] - Analysts suggest that financial tools like blue bonds and blue loans will be crucial to bridge the funding gap needed to achieve this target [4] Group 4: Conference Outcomes - The conference will aim to adopt a concise, action-oriented declaration known as the "Nice Ocean Action Plan," which will include voluntary commitments [5] - The success of the conference in achieving consensus and translating it into actionable steps will significantly impact future global ocean protection and sustainable use efforts [5]