“If there are no mangroves, then the sea will have no meaning. It is like having a tree without roots, for the mangroves are the roots of the sea…”(AMNH, 2003). Internationally, mangroves communities are recognised as pivotal in the sustaining of a healthy diverse ecosystem. However, since the late 1950s, human beings have decimated the total of mangrove forests by a third (Fidenci, 2007). The World Atlas of Mangroves states decimation of mangroves is occurring “four times faster” than on land forestation (Cook, 2010). There are a number of impacts, as these ‘highly productive ecosystems’ support the coastal and intertidal areas they are found within (Hogarth et al., 2007). They are invaluable, able to withstand varying levels of salinity and extreme weather conditions, playing a key role in the coastal aquatic ecosystems biological health and overall diversity (Wetlands International, 2012). They aid in the purification of the water, ridding it of potentially poisonous pollutants and toxins such as foreign wastes and poisons (National Geographic, 2010). Mangrove forests are found within estuaries and intertidal regions, however a vast majority of these are threatened (Polidoro, 2010). The importance of the mangroves is shown prominently by various factors, regarding environmental, economic and social perspectives.
The existence of mangroves is essential to maintain the environmental health of the ecosystem, extinction or substantial damage to the biodiverse organisms occurring with the exclusion of the various mangrove species. The mangroves provide habitation and nutrients to the diverse flora and fauna, vital protection from predators, stabilisation of shorelines and dissipation of wave energy along the coast having an e...
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...duce to the aquatic environment. This may be reassessed in a years time, by a compulsory government survey. The results may be collected and analysed to ensure that the approach is working.
The analysed research clearly highlights the benefits and importance of a conserved environment. It is clear that environmentally, economically and socially it is within the individuals favour to ensure the mangroves are upheld as the essential ecological systems they are, enabling them to thrive in the best possible conditions. Analysing the proposed dredging of Cairns, it is optimal to minimise the potential obstructions that may occur and claim benefits economically and environmentally. Conclusively, it is possible to sustain healthy mangrove systems ecologically, whilst benefiting from an increase economically and socially, if limits and strategies are capitalized.
The question that needs to be asked is, should local councils protect the coast, or leave it to nature? And how does protection affect the people the environment and the future of Dawlish Warren? I will observe the laws, which have been enforced to ensure the nature of the reserve is protected and the ecological and economical value of Dawlish Warren is looked after. Fig A shows where my investigation is based Dawlish warren incorporates a fantastic amenity- a nature reserve that covers 204 hectares or 505 acres. It is essentially a mile-and a half length of sand spit, extending around the mouth of the River Exe and positively teeming with flora and fauna, so much that not only has it been designated local nature reserve since 1978 but it is also an international one as well.
Firstly, we need to gain a general understanding of the structure and functions of the salt marshes in Jamaica Bay. Salt marshes are most commonly manifested through the arrival of seeding’s of the cord grass known as Spartina alterniflora. The grass spreads asexually through the aquatic habitats beneath the earths’ surface. The grass becomes...
...s are considered as part of a larger watershed, the recognization of the complexity of environmental stresses can be understood. Management plans can be developed to reduce impacts to mangroves, seagrasses and the reef ecosystem, based upon accurate data and a better understanding of the system. EPA is in the process of developing guidance for a watershed approach to coral ecosystem protection.
Government of South Australia, 2005. Adelaide's Living Beaches. A Strategy for 2005 - 2025, December, pp. 5-27.
Believe it or not the current pop culture surrounding the reef is environmental protection. This mean that people are trying to protect and cleanse the reef of toxic waste and such. And the reason that comes to mind as to why they are protecting the reef is because they would want to preserve such a mythical place from the bottom of their
This paper introduces the environmental concerns of the loss of coastal wetlands. The paper will discuss the significance of wetlands and the devastation that is occurring because of human activity. Wetlands are an essential element of our environment both ecological and societal; conservation will be essential for the preservation of these precious ecosystems.
Coral reefs are well known for their colorful array of marvelous sights including a parade of exotic flora and fauna. They are said to be the foundation for a quarter of marine species, and are a crucial support for human life as well. The coral reef ecosystem is a diverse collection of species (ranging from microscopic to larger-than-life in size) that interact with each other and their physical environment. If any piece of a coral reef is harmed or removed the entire community can be seriously affected, even to the point of collapse. Unfortunately, human impact has resulted in long-term stresses that, unlike the short-term stress of natural disasters, coral reefs are not as capable to recover from. “Approximately half of the world’s coral reef ecosystem resources are considered by scientists to be in 'poor' or 'fair' condition and have declined over time due to several anthropogenic threats” (“Status of Corals” par. 2). Through poorly administered commercial practices, carelessness and ignorance among the common people, and human aggravated natural processes coral reef destruction has become a serious issue afflicting the world’s biodiversity and it’s intricate biosphere mechanics (“Human Impact on the Great Barrier Reef” 1) (“What Are Coral Reefs?” 1).
Analysis of sites in five coastal states indicate that many marshes and mangrove ecosystems receive adequate mineral sediments to produce enough organic sediment and root material to remain above sea level at the present rate of sea-level rise (1-2 mm per year globally). However, three of the twelve wetlands studied were not keeping pace with the current rate of sea-level rise. If sea-level rise accelerates, some additional sites would also begin to slowly deteriorate and submerge.
The Great barrier reef has had many recent hardships, including water pollutants and the increasing water temperature. Although it may be too late to save this particular reef we the people must not be so nearsighted to the
A statistic released by the Marine Science Education Project of the Indonesian Ministry of Higher Education States that “…Reefs subject to land-based pollution (sewage, sedimentation, and or industrial pollution) show 30–50% reduced diversity at 3 m, and 40–60% reduced diversity at 10 m depth relative to unpolluted comparison reefs in each region.” This statistic is alarming because it shows just how much pollution can affect a certain environment. Not only does it affect the environment but it also affects animals, plants and people.
Oceans are such so vast that people underestimate the impact their actions —seeming so insignificant— have on them. Humans have by and large taken the oceans for granted; not considering how important a healthy ocean is to our survival. A popular mind-set is that the oceans are a bottomless supply of fish, natural resources, and an infinite waste dump. There are myriad reasons why the oceans should be saved and the most obvious one is marine life. With 71% of the Earth being covered by water, it is obvious that sea creatures are predominant form of life, making up 80% of the species of life on Earth. However, as important as marine life is, that is not the only reason why saving the oceans is crucial. The ocean floor provides natural resources such as, oil, natural gas, petroleum, minerals, medications, and ingredients for foods and products. The economic benefits of the oceans are huge and significant, as well. Fishing and fish products have provided employment to 38 million people and have generated about $124 billion in economic benefits. However, oceans are on the verge of crisis, marine life, natural resources, transportation, the economy, and important ingredients are at risk due to overfishing, pollution, and acidification. Thus, in this essay I will argue that, oceans are not impervious to human activity and threatening the health of the ocean threatens the health of humanity, since oceans key to our survival.
Smith, Zachary A., and Grenetta Thomassey. Freshwater Issues: A Reference Handbook. Santa Barbara, CA: ABC-CLIO, 2002. Print
Coral Reefs need to be preserved for many reasons. In this paper I will discuss a
Seagrass is on the decline around the world and it is an extremely vital marine ecosystem found in shallow water mainly distributed throughout tropical seas, from a temperature around 4oC to 24oC (Green and Short 2003). They are the only true flowering plant (angiosperm) to live in aquatic conditions providing support and shelter for vast amounts of species (Orth et al. 2006; Jackson et al. 2001). They are a marine aquatic plant and a keystone species for many coastal areas found all over the world (Libralato, Christensen and Pauly 2006). Although there is not a huge variety of species, there are only around 60 species globally and over 14% of them are endangered (Green and Short 2003; Orth et al. 2006). The different seagrass ecosystems perform relatively similarly throughout the varying species (Turner and Schwarz 2006). This study will examine the various importances of seagrass and to what extent they are vital for the survival of species within their ecosystem. In addition to this, the role of seagrass in important ecosystem processes will be examined. The abundance of coastal regions are closely linked with seagrasses as they greatly contribute to productivity. Seagrass meadows are highly productive and are ideal for nurseries and providing a relatively safe habitat and shelter from predators (Hughes et al. (2008).
Rogers, Peter. 2008. "Facing the Freshwater CRISIS. (Cover story)." Scientific American 299, no. 2: 46-53. Academic Search Premier, EBSCOhost (accessed November 4, 2010).