Marine Biodiversity Index Score (0-100)

The Marine Biodiversity Index evaluates the richness and diversity of marine species in a country's waters, measured on a scale from 0 to 100. This dataset ranks nations by their marine biodiversity scores, offering insights into the health of marine ecosystems and their role in supporting food security.

Which countries have the highest marine biodiversity scores?

Yemen ranks first with a score of 61.6, indicating the highest level of marine biodiversity. It is followed by Vietnam (35.3) and Bangladesh (34.5). These countries benefit from diverse marine ecosystems that support fisheries and coastal livelihoods.

Top 10 countries by marine biodiversity index

The countries with the highest marine biodiversity scores are:

1. Yemen – 61.6
2. Vietnam – 35.3
3. Bangladesh – 34.5
4. Sierra Leone – 31.1
5. Guinea – 28.1
6. Dominican Republic – 27.4
7. Oman – 25.7
8. Peru – 25.1
9. Tunisia – 24.6
10. South Korea – 23

These nations rely on robust marine ecosystems for economic and ecological stability, including fisheries and tourism.

Which countries have the lowest marine biodiversity scores?

Countries such as El Salvador and Venezuela scored 0 on the index, indicating very low or negligible marine biodiversity. Other nations like Hungary (0.6) and Italy (0.6) also rank low, primarily due to limited marine ecosystems or degraded aquatic habitats.

Why is marine biodiversity critical for food security?

Marine biodiversity supports fisheries, aquaculture, and coastal protection, directly contributing to food security. Healthy marine ecosystems ensure the sustainability of fish stocks, protect against climate impacts, and support the livelihoods of millions of people worldwide.

What factors influence marine biodiversity scores?

Marine biodiversity is influenced by factors such as coastal geography, conservation efforts, pollution levels, overfishing, and climate change. Countries with well-protected marine areas and lower anthropogenic pressures tend to have higher biodiversity scores.

What strategies can improve marine biodiversity?

Key strategies include establishing marine protected areas, regulating overfishing, reducing marine pollution, and restoring degraded habitats like coral reefs and mangroves. International cooperation is also critical for addressing transboundary issues like ocean warming and overexploitation.

What global trends are evident in the Marine Biodiversity Index?

Countries with extensive coastlines and tropical or subtropical waters, such as Yemen and Vietnam, tend to rank higher due to naturally rich ecosystems. Conversely, landlocked countries and nations with heavily exploited or degraded marine areas, like El Salvador and Venezuela, exhibit lower scores. These trends underscore the importance of sustainable marine resource management globally.