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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Invasive species can outcompete native species and significantly alter habitats.

Marine Conservation Methods

Marine conservation methods include establishing Marine Protected Areas, sustainable fishing practices, restoration of damaged habitats, and pollution control.

See Also

• Marine biology
• Oceanography
• Marine pollution
• Marine Protected Areas
• Coral reefs
• Overfishing
• Climate change
• Invasive species

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Marine conservation gallery

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  Blue Linckia Starfish

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  Deepwater Horizon oil spill - May 24, 2010

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  NOAA scuba diver surveying bleached corals

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  Japanese fisheries patrol boat and Chinese Illegal fishing boat

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  Humpback Whale underwater shot

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  Grey Heron, Leighton Moss

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  Protected turtle nesting area

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  Loggerhead turtle