OCEAN CONSERVATION
What is the Need for Ocean Conservation?
Today, a third of carbon dioxide sent from the atmosphere is absorbed by the oceans. Greater levels of concentration cause the acidity of oceans to increase, therein affecting ecosystems, like coral reefs, and the organisms that live in these ecosystems. Furthermore, as ocean temperatures continue to rise, coral reefs become bleached and die.
Pesticides and chemicals used in agriculture often end up in coastal waters, limiting oxygen supply and, as a result, killing marine life. Factories and industrial plants additionally release sewage and runoff into oceans, further impacting ocean life. In recent years, oil spills and air pollution have been responsible for the introduction of contaminants and toxins introduced to oceans.
Today, a third of carbon dioxide sent from the atmosphere is absorbed by the oceans. Greater levels of concentration cause the acidity of oceans to increase, therein affecting ecosystems, like coral reefs, and the organisms that live in these ecosystems. Furthermore, as ocean temperatures continue to rise, coral reefs become bleached and die.
Pesticides and chemicals used in agriculture often end up in coastal waters, limiting oxygen supply and, as a result, killing marine life. Factories and industrial plants additionally release sewage and runoff into oceans, further impacting ocean life. In recent years, oil spills and air pollution have been responsible for the introduction of contaminants and toxins introduced to oceans.
Why Even Worry about Ocean Conservation?
Our security, economy, and survival is dependent on the ocean. Oceans provide the food we eat, the air we breathe, and the weather we experience. Further, oceans are responsible for the planet’s climate, as well as millions of jobs globally. Considering the major impact oceans play, ocean conservation is essential now more than ever.
Our security, economy, and survival is dependent on the ocean. Oceans provide the food we eat, the air we breathe, and the weather we experience. Further, oceans are responsible for the planet’s climate, as well as millions of jobs globally. Considering the major impact oceans play, ocean conservation is essential now more than ever.
Eliminating Plastics
A great way to initiate ocean conservation is by eliminating, or at least reducing, the consumption of plastics. For example, Vancouver was the first Canadian city to ban plastic straws and foam straws, with New Delhi, Costa Rica, and numerous states of the United States following suit and limiting usage of plastics. Numerous companies and organizations, such as Dive Against Debris and 4Ocean, have worked around the globe to bring together volunteers and hold coastal cleanups.
A great way to initiate ocean conservation is by eliminating, or at least reducing, the consumption of plastics. For example, Vancouver was the first Canadian city to ban plastic straws and foam straws, with New Delhi, Costa Rica, and numerous states of the United States following suit and limiting usage of plastics. Numerous companies and organizations, such as Dive Against Debris and 4Ocean, have worked around the globe to bring together volunteers and hold coastal cleanups.
Improving Recycling
Though it’s highly unlikely plastics will be entirely banned and replaced, a more effective way consuming plastic is expanding our recycling abilities. A group of scientists at Cornell have discovered a way to combine polyethylene and polypropylene, two compounds found in most plastics that have been uncompatible in repurposing. This new discovery opens doors to more cost effective and environmentally friendly plastic products.
Though it’s highly unlikely plastics will be entirely banned and replaced, a more effective way consuming plastic is expanding our recycling abilities. A group of scientists at Cornell have discovered a way to combine polyethylene and polypropylene, two compounds found in most plastics that have been uncompatible in repurposing. This new discovery opens doors to more cost effective and environmentally friendly plastic products.
Overfishing and What Needs to Be Improved
Fish is an essential contributor in the world’s protein intake and the supply has seemed endless. However, in recent years, an increase in unsustainable fishing efforts has been observed. This increase has resulted in several fish populations reducing, particularly populations of top predators such as tuna, further destroying the balance of numerous ocean ecosystems. In order to address this issue, the UN Convention on Biological Diversity formed Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), in which nursery and spawning grounds are protected while exploited species are also preserved.
Fish is an essential contributor in the world’s protein intake and the supply has seemed endless. However, in recent years, an increase in unsustainable fishing efforts has been observed. This increase has resulted in several fish populations reducing, particularly populations of top predators such as tuna, further destroying the balance of numerous ocean ecosystems. In order to address this issue, the UN Convention on Biological Diversity formed Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), in which nursery and spawning grounds are protected while exploited species are also preserved.
Oil Spills
On January 1, 2015, the Oil Pollution Act was passed, requiring all tankers to be double-hulled. Removing single-hulled tankers has significantly reduced oil-related spills in the ocean.
On January 1, 2015, the Oil Pollution Act was passed, requiring all tankers to be double-hulled. Removing single-hulled tankers has significantly reduced oil-related spills in the ocean.
Carbon Emissions
Overall, the health of the oceans depends on reducing carbon emissions. Treaties like the Paris Agreement require its participants to determine specific nationally determined climate change plans in order to reduce carbon emissions and decrease global temperatures.
Overall, the health of the oceans depends on reducing carbon emissions. Treaties like the Paris Agreement require its participants to determine specific nationally determined climate change plans in order to reduce carbon emissions and decrease global temperatures.