The UN chief has called for the collective global protection of oceans.

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, speaking at the Maribus XXXIII International Conference on Oceans, held in Beijing, China, said the world needs to take collective responsibility to protect the world’s oceans.

He urged the preservation of the "productivity and essential ecosystem functions of the oceans as a basis for a prosperous and sustainable future for all."

Mr Ban noted importance of oceans and the many benefits that are derived from them.

Oceans, he said, cover about two-thirds of the Earth’s surface, generate most of its oxygen, absorb carbon dioxide, provide food and nutrients, regulate climate, and supply fishing resources for income.

He noted the significant role the ocean plays in regulating the global climate, generating oxygen and absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, should be taken into account, especially on behalf of those people on the front lines of climate change.

As the world is becoming increasingly aware, he said, the many benefits of the oceans to human well-being are not limitless and, in some cases, are in peril.