Marine conservation
Marine conservation is the protection and preservation of ecosystems in oceans and seas. It focuses on limiting human-caused damage to marine ecosystems, and on restoring damaged marine environments. Marine conservation also includes the establishment and management of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).
Overview[edit | edit source]
Marine conservation is driven by the manifested negative effects being seen in our environment such as species loss, habitat degradation and changes in ecosystem functions. The ocean covers over 70% of the planet and supports a high diversity of species and ecosystems. However, human activities are causing significant threats to marine life and ecosystems.
Threats to Marine Life[edit | edit source]
The main threats to marine life include overfishing, habitat destruction, pollution, climate change, and invasive species. These threats are causing a rapid decline in the health and productivity of the world's oceans.
Overfishing[edit | edit source]
Overfishing is the removal of a species of fish from a body of water at a rate that the species cannot replenish, resulting in those species becoming underpopulated in that area. Overfishing can lead to depletion of or extinction of fish populations.
Habitat Destruction[edit | edit source]
Habitat destruction in the ocean can occur from a variety of sources. The main causes are dredging, bottom trawling, and coastal development which can result in the destruction of marine habitats and the displacement of species.
Pollution[edit | edit source]
Pollution is a major threat to marine life. This can come in the form of plastic debris, oil spills, and chemical runoff from land.
Climate Change[edit | edit source]
Climate change is causing alterations in ocean chemistry and temperature, which can lead to coral bleaching and the loss of breeding grounds for marine fishes and mammals.
Invasive Species[edit | edit source]
Invasive species can outcompete native species and significantly alter habitats.
Marine Conservation Methods[edit | edit source]
Marine conservation methods include establishing Marine Protected Areas, sustainable fishing practices, restoration of damaged habitats, and pollution control.
See Also[edit | edit source]
- Marine biology
- Oceanography
- Marine pollution
- Marine Protected Areas
- Coral reefs
- Overfishing
- Climate change
- Invasive species
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Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD