World’s oceans ‘could do better’

A SCHOOL report-style assessment of the health of the world’s oceans has concluded that they “could do better”.

The report, based on ten factors such as clean water, biodiversity, food provision, tourism and coastal protection, gave the oceans a global mark of 60 out of 100.

The UK received an average rating of 62, while the US scored 63 and Canada 70.

Sierra Leone in West Africa had the poorest result, 36, while uninhabited Jarvis Island in the South Pacific was awarded the highest rating of 86.

Ecologist Dr Karen McLeod, from Oregon State University, one of 30 scientists who compiled the report, said: “When we conclude that the health of the oceans is 60 on a scale of 100, that doesn’t mean we’re failing. Instead, it shows there’s room for improvement, and gives us a benchmark.”