Podcast - Reflexions - S2 Ep4

Oceans in peril: understanding the scientific issues to better preserve the marine environment

As part of World Oceans Day and the International Year of the Sea

Episode 4 (June 2025)

In Recherche

imgActu — Eric Parmentier, Philippe Vincent and Aïda Alvera Azcarate | ©️ Université de Liège / J.Louis

This fourth episode of the second season of Réflexions is devoted to the worrying state of the oceans and the urgent need to preserve them in the face of climate change, pollution and excessive exploitation. Essential to our planetary equilibrium, the oceans today pose crucial scientific, ecological and legal questions.

he oceans cover over 70% of our planet, regulate our climate, produce oxygen and are home to exceptional biodiversity. However, their current state highlights major challenges linked to their ecological health, biodiversity and sustainable management.

In 2025, the year declared "International Year of the Sea" by the United Nations, the issue of ocean preservation takes on even greater importance. How can we reconcile rational exploitation and effective conservation? What innovative solutions could transform our approach? On a global scale, existing international conventions need to be complemented by local and regional initiatives to strengthen effective ocean protection.

About this episode

Speakers:

Aida Alvera Azcarate is a researcher in physical oceanography, specializing in the study of the role of the oceans in global climate. She focuses on phenomena such as ocean acidification, ocean warming and their impact on climate regulation.

Éric Parmentier is a professor of marine biology, specializing in marine ecosystems and their biodiversity. His research aims to understand the mechanisms for preserving marine ecosystems, while at the same time enabling the rational exploitation of resources.

Philippe Vincent is a lawyer and professor of maritime and marine environmental law. He works in particular on the effectiveness and practical application of international conventions dedicated to the preservation of the oceans.

Presentation and editing :

Julie Louis, Head of the Research Communication Unit of the ULiège Communication Service

Remy Hespel, videographer, University of Liège Communications Department

Useful readings

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Guests, reflections, backgrounds and complementary views to discuss a theme and decipher the issues.

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ULiège Podcasts

ODD 14 : Vie aquatique

Conserver et exploiter de manière durable les océans, les mers et les ressources marines aux fins du développement durable Le quatorzième objectif promeut la conservation et l’exploitation durable des écosystèmes marins et côtiers, selon trois ambitions fondatrices : une gestion plus durable des ressources via la préservation de 10 % des zones marines et côtières, la lutte contre la surpêche et la pêche illicite ; l’accélération des recherches scientifiques et du transfert de techniques pour renforcer la résilience des écosystèmes et réduire au maximum l’acidification des océans ; la conception de la gestion durable des ressources marines comme une opportunité de développement économique et touristique pour les petits États insulaires et les pays les moins avancés.