Oceans And Seas Questions Medium
The major threats to ocean biodiversity include:
1. Overfishing: The excessive and unsustainable fishing practices, such as trawling and longlining, lead to the depletion of fish populations and disrupt the balance of marine ecosystems.
2. Pollution: Various forms of pollution, including oil spills, chemical runoff, and plastic waste, contaminate the oceans and harm marine life. These pollutants can cause habitat destruction, poisoning, and reproductive issues for many species.
3. Climate change: Rising sea temperatures, ocean acidification, and changing weather patterns due to climate change have significant impacts on marine ecosystems. Coral bleaching, loss of sea ice, and altered migration patterns are some of the consequences that threaten the survival of many marine species.
4. Habitat destruction: Destructive fishing practices, coastal development, and the destruction of coral reefs and mangroves result in the loss and degradation of critical habitats for marine organisms. This leads to a decline in biodiversity and disrupts the intricate web of life in the oceans.
5. Invasive species: The introduction of non-native species into marine environments can have detrimental effects on native species and ecosystems. Invasive species can outcompete native species for resources, disrupt food chains, and alter the balance of marine ecosystems.
6. Ocean acidification: Increased carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere are absorbed by the oceans, leading to ocean acidification. This acidification negatively affects marine organisms with calcium carbonate shells or skeletons, such as corals, shellfish, and some plankton, making it difficult for them to survive and reproduce.
7. Illegal wildlife trade: The illegal trade of marine species, including corals, seahorses, and sea turtles, contributes to the decline of these species and disrupts their ecosystems. Overexploitation for the aquarium trade, traditional medicine, and luxury goods drives many marine species towards extinction.
Addressing these threats requires international cooperation, sustainable fishing practices, reducing pollution, protecting critical habitats, and implementing measures to mitigate climate change.