Damage and Exploitation to the Oceana

Introduction

Peering down from space, one could clearly see that the earth is blue. Covering over 70% percent of the earth’s surface, the oceans are a sanctuary for millions of species. Surrounding all seven continents and stretching across every latitude and longitude are a variety of habitats ranging from tropical coral reefs to subzero barren plains. These ecosystems have different temperatures, salinities, currents, and biodiversity that allow for a unique habitat (Shah, Anup). With such a diversity and expanse of habitats, the earth’s ocean provides up to 95% of the inhabitable space on earth (No Charge? Valuing the Natural Environment.). Many scientist believe that upwards of 2.5 million different speciesexist in the oceans alone. Ranging from the small alien-like fish in the trenches to the blue whales that roam the open ocean, each species has its own unique ecological niche – a specific position in an elaborate interconnected system (What is Biodiversity). Unfortunately, the oceans have become a dumping site and limitless resource to society. Hauling net after net of consumable fish, the oceans are being damaged as society continues to harvest uncontrolled. If people continue to exploit and abuse marine resources, the decline in biodiversity will cause widespread ecosystem collapse and harm society.

Overfishing

With the population surpassing seven billion people and a larger percentage relying on fish as their source of protein, the demand for seafood has increased exponentially. In order to satiate societies hunger, the fishing industry continues to expand their fishing fleet and area. In 2011, the global fishing industry harvested approximately 178 million tons from the ocean. Approximately 2.5 trillion fish were har...

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...m, Paul A., Edward H. Huijbens, Stephen L. Wearing).

Conclusion

The earth’s ocean is an amazing place. It provides for not only itself but for the animals that live on land. For the past several centuries society lacked the knowledge to truly understand the impact that it had on the environment. We exploited and abused the resources that the ocean provided and we caused havoc in the ecosystem. The current generation of young adults has a different mindset. The political leaders of today are trying to reverse the damage that they have cause and to some extent the ocean is recovering. However, the current generation is focusing on how to prevent these damages from happening rather focusing on how to solve them. Although there has been damage that is irreversible, we the right changes society can immensely benefit the ocean and start to take care of its resources.