The First Global Integrated Marine Assessment, also known as the “World Ocean Assessment I”, is the outcome of the first cycle of the Regular Process for Global Reporting and Assessment of the State of the Marine Environment, including Socioeconomic Aspects.

Hundreds of scientists from many countries, representing various disciplines and steered by a 22-member Group of Experts, examined the state of knowledge of the world's oceans and the ways in which humans benefit from and affect them. Their findings indicate that the oceans’ carrying capacity is near or at its limit. It is clear that urgent action on a global scale is needed to protect the world's oceans from the many pressures they face.

The first World Ocean Assessment provides an important scientific basis for the consideration of ocean issues by Governments, intergovernmental processes, and all policy-makers and others involved in ocean affairs. The Assessment reinforces the science-policy interface and establishes the basis for future assessments. Together with future assessments and related initiatives, it will help in the implementation of the recently adopted 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly its ocean-related goals.

I thank the Group of Experts and all others whose dedication produced this Assessment, including the Co-Chairs, the Bureau of the Ad Hoc Working Group of the Whole of the Regular Process and its secretariat. I would also like to acknowledge the significant scientific, technical and financial assistance to the Regular Process provided by the European Union, the United Nations Environment Programme, the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization and other relevant intergovernmental organizations.

I look forward to working with all partners to ensure that the world's oceans, which are so essential for human well-being and prosperity, are healthy, productive and resilient for today's and future generations.