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The score obtained by the Argentinean Sea ranks it 94th in the world ranking. (Photo: oceanhealthindex.org/FIS)
Argentinean Sea reveals positive health assessment
ARGENTINA
Wednesday, August 22, 2012, 23:10 (GMT + 9)
Argentina's Exclusive Economic Zone (ZEEA) scored 52 points out of 100 possible ones in the first quantitative global assessment of the health of the world's oceans.
According to research carried out by an international group of scientists, including researchers from the University of British Columbia (UBC), the health of the Argentinean Sea almost reaches the world average, which was 60 points out of 100.
The Ocean Health Index from Ocean Health Index on Vimeo.
The Ocean Health Global Index, published last week in the journal Nature, was issued taking into account 10 parameters: overfishing and sustainability; artisanal fishing; non-food marine products; tourism impact; biodiversity; coastal protection and pollution; among others.
The 52 points scored by the Argentinean Sea ranks it in 94th position in the world rankings.
During the investigation, experts had the intention for indicators to evidence the strengths and weaknesses of each analysed maritime region -- about 171 in total -- and to follow up their evolution.
"The real value of the index is its ability to track the progress related to management policies over time," said Karen McLeod, co-author of the study.
Specifically, the Argentinean Sea obtained a good score in:
Opportunities for artisanal fishing: 91;
Biodiversity: 81;
Water cleanliness: 71;
Economy: 70;
Food supply-sustainability: 16;
Tourism: 1.
Other assessed countries were Brazil, with 62 points out of 100 (the best score in the region); Trinidad and Tobago, with 63; Costa Rica, with 61; Guatemala, Ecuador and Chile, with 60 each; Mexico, with 55; and Colombia and Cuba, with 52 each nation.
Nicaragua had the worst rate, with 43 points out of 100, reported Pescare.
While Haiti and Peru received 44 points each; El Salvador, 45; Venezuela and Honduras, 46 points each country; Uruguay, 47; and Panama, 48 points.
Although nearly a third of the countries scored below 50, the study authors note that the score range of individual countries, and the fact that 5 per cent of the nations scored over 70, represent true successful stories despite the low ratings.
"This should not be considered a failure for the oceans," stated McLeod.
Related article:
- Oceans score 60 out of 100 in health index
By Analia Murias
editorial@fis.com
www.fis.com
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