There are many issues affecting the ocean. The fragile and interconnected nature of ocean ecosystems and human activities has in recent decades become readily apparent.  From climate change and its diverse impacts on oceans, through to the destruction of and damage to marine ecosystems, the loss of biodiversity and the degradation of the natural environment, including from overfishing and destructive fishing, human impact on the ocean has been profound. The outcome of Rio+20 will be of capital importance for the global environment in the coming ten years and IOC is a key player in relation to sustainable development.