Ocean conservation, also referred to as ocean biodiversity, is the conservation and promotion of natural ecosystems in seas and oceans so as not to destroy these natural systems and habitats. The concept of ocean conservation is a global one. It aims at protecting marine life, preventing illegal activities such as deep sea fishing, dumping of toxic wastes in oceans, and preventing overfishing. Ocean conservation can be broadly divided into two categories: ocean restoration and ocean policy.
Ocean restoration mainly deals with restoring ecosystems and maintaining aquatic life such as coral reefs. Through ocean conservation efforts, the impact of human activities on natural systems is reduced or prevented. One of the key facts about ocean conservation is its relationship with climate change. Ocean acidification, warming of the water, and warming of the surface of the ocean due to increased carbon dioxide absorption from soil up to global warming, are some of the result of carbon dioxide absorption in the atmosphere.
Oceanic ecosystems are home to a wide range of ecosystem creatures such as fishes, crustaceans, whales, dolphins, fish-eating birds, sharks, and coral reefs. These different species are essential to the natural balance in the ecosystems. Overfishing, harmful chemicals, and other human activities are some of the causes of the destruction of marine conservation issues. The reduction of whale populations, overfishing, and global warming are the causes of the decline in whale watching and whale research around the world. Some of the key conservation issues for whales include:
* Mass strandings. This is a tragic event that has become one of the most prominent and painful illustrations of the problem of overfishing. In July 2021, hundreds of pods of killer whales were gathered together along the Hawaiian coastline, just before departing for their annual migration. The pods were hacked to death and the remaining whales were then dragged back into the sea where they face possible starvation and drowning. This event symbolizes the thinning of the oceans alive because of global warming.
* Slashing down of ocean sanctuaries. Many of the earth’s oceans are being protected by national and international laws and countries are slashing down the numbers of breeding colonies of certain sea animals such as the grey whales. Some of the most endangered animals include the Leatherback, Humpback, Coho, the Hawaiian monk seal, the North Atlantic Right Whale, the Philippine Sea Leatherback, and the Southern Right Whales. Marine experts and scientists are calling for more marine protection, including by purchasing green technology cars that will allow travelers to save on fuel emissions.
* Unsafe Fishing Habits. Illegal fishing of seafood has been responsible for the death of millions of pelagic sea animals over the past 40 years. These creatures are threatened with extinction if drastic measures are not taken to halt the unsustainable fishing practices. In addition to killing thousands of sea animals each year, illegal fishing also has a devastating impact on the coral reefs as well as on the fish that depend on the reefs for food. Oceanic biodiversity is being threatened as well, which is another key element in ocean conservation.
* Overfishing and the depletion of natural fish stocks. The depletion of natural fish stocks such as coral reefs and fish have already caused a great deal of environmental damage. But even just the overfishing of some types of seafood, such as tuna and swordfish, could be considered harmful to marine conservation if the population is allowed to grow beyond control. One of the solutions being proposed is to develop ocean conservation plans that will allow fishers to manage fisheries so that overfishing will not be allowed to happen.
By taking into consideration these key facts, it is easy to see how we can help protect our ocean conservation efforts. Through education, cooperation, and the use of effective technologies, we can help maintain and protect our fragile ecosystems. Conservation will help to ensure that future generations have the ocean they need, and the wildlife that exists in our beautiful oceans.
