The World Ocean's Conference is now underway in Indonesia. As he opened the conference in the northern city of Manado, Indonesia's President called for the world to come to the rescue of the oceans.

The two-day meeting brings together ministers and high-level officials from more than 80 countries.

Participants say it could help the world focus its attention on the relationship between oceans and climate change.

They are calling for further global steps to find scientific solutions ahead of a climate change conference in Copenhagen, this December.

The Indonesian President says the world has a common responsibility to save the oceans.

Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said, "We therefore have to ensure that ocean-sensitive policies be incorporated into that new regime. So that humankind's approach to the challenge of climate change will be comprehensive and holistic."

Scientists have long warned that higher temperatures will melt polar ice and cause sea levels to rise, wiping out island communities and destroying coastal ecosystems.

Rising emissions of carbon dioxide are also making oceans increasingly acidic, making the shells of sea animals thinner, bleaching coral and killing other marine life.

A similar gathering will be held next week in Washington, DC, focusing on the need for improved marine conservation.

(CCTV May 15, 2009)