Human Impact on Oceans

Published Date: 03 Oct 2016 Last Modified: 03 Oct 2017

‘How do I impact the ocean, how does the ocean impact me?’

Oceans, vast expanse of waters, holding immeasurable wealth and diverse species of marine fauna are prone to human activities-good and bad. Some of us have turned a blind eye to the existing threats that our oceans face. But why and how should we protect our oceans? 

WHY ARE OCEANS SO IMPORTANT?

Fish, octopus, shrimps- important sources of protein- are all derived from our seas-seas that are home to close to thousands of other aquatic species equally important for nature to maintain its usual course . The ocean can eradicate certain pollutants by natural processes like bacterial decay (explaining why factories use it as discharge systems). Today leisure, recreation and tourism define our country’s fame throughout the world, all thanks to the beautiful beaches and seas that we pride ourselves in. Coral reefs guard our coasts by shielding us from storms. Tidal and wind energy are our Oceana’s mightiest forces which if channeled effectively could present huge benefits to power stations.

HOW ARE WE DEGRADING OUR OCEAN?

However humans have in the long run abused these marine resources in greed of expanding trade. Domestic sewage, effluents from nearby factories and used water discharged can sometimes find its way to lagoons and ultimately introduce diseases and harmful chemicals into coastal waters. Human factors such as men dumping wastes or lethal chemicals in seas and natural factors such as storms or seismic waves can harm our natural fauna. Our natural barriers are impaired by malpractice of fishermen through wrong fishing techniques.

WHAT ARE THE REPERCUSSIONS FROM DEGRADING OUR OCEAN?

Resources in our seas may deplete to such an extent that widespread damage to aquatic bio-diversity may irrevocably warp the natural food chain so we have more sharks roaming in our bays than fish. It is anticipated that in the near future shortage of sea food caused by massive exploitation may dim the future of next generations. In the next two decades or so, we risk importing fish to support the needs of our growing population. Sea pollution blemishes our good reputation and progress occasioning in a decadent tourist industry along with detrimental environmental effects. Chemicals accumulate within bodies of marine organisms that are later consumed by men while polyps-the minute biotic elements that synthesize corals- die. Not to mention the damage extended by fishermen would make certain that corals can neither be created nor preserved.

HOW TO SAVE OUR OCEAN?

Setting up of breeding grounds for highly exploited marine fish-a practice known as aquaculture-would reduce the strain on conventional ocean-derived foods and leave ocean-fish time to procreate and mature before getting caught in nets of fishermen. Marine-Protected Areas in certain over-fished regions may be established to safeguard some aquatic species. Agencies must more regularly monitor factories effluents. Raising awareness about the devastating outcomes of pollution amongst people to deter any misdemeanour and also stressing the crucial importance of sustaining clean marine environment. If the tidal and wind energies emanated from seas were harnessed to manufacture electricity concerns will wane on CO₂emissions that also adversely disturb oceans.

CONCLUSION

If our current manner of abusing seas maintains its trend, aquatic life may not recover and chain of events triggered by men himself may unfold teething troubles that will cripple our children’s children and the other children to come. Hence before it’s too late humanity MUST resort to all viable measures at hand to save our oceans before nature turn on us for our misdeeds.

‘How do I impact the ocean, how does the ocean impact me?’

Oceans, vast expanse of waters, holding immeasurable wealth and diverse species of marine fauna are prone to human activities-good and bad. Some of us have turned a blind eye to the existing threats that our oceans face. But why and how should we protect our oceans?

WHY ARE OCEANS SO IMPORTANT?

Fish, octopus, shrimps- important sources of protein- are all derived from our seas-seas that are home to close to thousands of other aquatic species equally important for nature to maintain its usual course . The ocean can eradicate certain pollutants by natural processes like bacterial decay (explaining why factories use it as discharge systems). Today leisure, recreation and tourism define our country’s fame throughout the world, all thanks to the beautiful beaches and seas that we pride ourselves in. Coral reefs guard our coasts by shielding us from storms. Tidal and wind energy are our Oceana’s mightiest forces which if channeled effectively could present huge benefits to power stations.

HOW ARE WE DEGRADING OUR OCEAN?

However humans have in the long run abused these marine resources in greed of expanding trade. Domestic sewage, effluents from nearby factories and used water discharged can sometimes find its way to lagoons and ultimately introduce diseases and harmful chemicals into coastal waters. Human factors such as men dumping wastes or lethal chemicals in seas and natural factors such as storms or seismic waves can harm our natural fauna. Our natural barriers are impaired by malpractice of fishermen through wrong fishing techniques.

WHAT ARE THE REPERCUSSIONS FROM DEGRADING OUR OCEAN?

Resources in our seas may deplete to such an extent that widespread damage to aquatic bio-diversity may irrevocably warp the natural food chain so we have more sharks roaming in our bays than fish. It is anticipated that in the near future shortage of sea food caused by massive exploitation may dim the future of next generations. In the next two decades or so, we risk importing fish to support the needs of our growing population. Sea pollution blemishes our good reputation and progress occasioning in a decadent tourist industry along with detrimental environmental effects. Chemicals accumulate within bodies of marine organisms that are later consumed by men while polyps-the minute biotic elements that synthesize corals- die. Not to mention the damage extended by fishermen would make certain that corals can neither be created nor preserved.

HOW TO SAVE OUR OCEAN?

Setting up of breeding grounds for highly exploited marine fish-a practice known as aquaculture-would reduce the strain on conventional ocean-derived foods and leave ocean-fish time to procreate and mature before getting caught in nets of fishermen. Marine-Protected Areas in certain over-fished regions may be established to safeguard some aquatic species. Agencies must more regularly monitor factories effluents. Raising awareness about the devastating outcomes of pollution amongst people to deter any misdemeanour and also stressing the crucial importance of sustaining clean marine environment. If the tidal and wind energies emanated from seas were harnessed to manufacture electricity concerns will wane on CO₂emissions that also adversely disturb oceans.

CONCLUSION

If our current manner of abusing seas maintains its trend, aquatic life may not recover and chain of events triggered by men himself may unfold teething troubles that will cripple our children’s children and the other children to come. Hence before it’s too late humanity MUST resort to all viable measures at hand to save our oceans before nature turn on us for our misdeeds.