A collaborative study on marine life conducted by 19 international scientists has revealed man's impact over-fishing, pollution and climate change. The researchers developed a color-coded map to demonstrate the widespread effects of aforementioned activities on the earth's oceans and seas. The bad news? Over 40 per cent of marine regions have been significantly affected and only a minimal four per cent remain in almost perfect condition.

Among the most affected areas are the North Sea, the South and East China Seas, the Caribbean, North America's east coast, the Mediterranean, the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf. Though the results look grim, one of the researches tries to provide a silver lining by saying the findings may drive some much-needed change.

Co-author Dr Mark Spalding, a marine scientist at the conservation group Nature Conservancy, said: "What is surprising is the truly global spread of human impact. But it's not all doom and gloom. In some areas, such as the Great Barrier Reef, strong integrated conservation measures are being introduced. The map provides a challenge for us to start to think seriously about conservation and management, and gives us pointers to the priorities and different states of urgency of response required."

That map is seriously intimidating when you consider that a large portion is a dark shade of orange indicating regions with medium high impact. We consistently read and listen to news stories regarding the negative affects of certain activities have on marine life, but generally we are not provided with such a comprehensive, in-your-face big picture. Now it remains to be seen if this map has any effect in expediting measures that would ideally start changing the orange color back to a lighter shade of blue indicative of very low impact on marine life.

» Telegraph