Scientists Launch Free Tool to Measure Ocean Fairness

For the first time, communities can measure whether ocean projects are treating them fairly, thanks to a groundbreaking tool developed by international scientists.

The Ocean Equity Index transforms the abstract concept of fairness into hard numbers. Developed by researchers at CNRS with support from the Foundation for Research on Biodiversity, it provides a simple scoring system that anyone can use to evaluate ocean-related projects, policies, and industries.

The tool tackles a critical problem: while ocean industries like aquaculture, maritime transport, and offshore energy generate massive profits, those benefits rarely reach the people most affected by ocean exploitation. Indigenous peoples, local fishing communities, women, and small-scale fishers often bear the negative consequences while wealthy corporations reap the rewards.

Here's how it works: the index evaluates 12 different criteria for any ocean initiative, assigning scores from 0 to 3 for each. The total gets expressed as a percentage, making it easy to compare projects and identify which ones truly benefit coastal communities and marine ecosystems.

The tool is completely free and accessible to everyone. Communities, Indigenous peoples, NGOs, scientists, industries, and governments can all use it through a dedicated website or an offline form included in the Nature publication. No specialized knowledge required.

The timing matters enormously. Recent international commitments like the UN's Sustainable Development Goals, the Agreement on the High Seas, and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework all promise environmental and social equity. But until now, governments and organizations lacked a clear way to measure whether they're keeping those promises.

The Ripple Effect

Marine protected areas can now be scored and compared to ensure they're not just protecting ecosystems but also respecting local rights and sharing benefits fairly. Development programs can be evaluated to catch gaps in community participation before they cause harm. Entire economic sectors can be held accountable to standards that protect both people and planet.

The index helps identify specific problems: Are local voices being heard in decision-making? Are benefits being shared equitably? Are traditional rights being recognized and protected?

Scientists are urging governments and international organizations to adopt the tool immediately. The concentration of ocean wealth in so few hands while marginalized groups suffer the consequences isn't just unfair; it threatens the long-term sustainability of our oceans.

The Ocean Equity Index gives communities the power to demand better, and it gives decision-makers the clarity to deliver it.