“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.
Today, with our understanding of how fragile the coastal areas are, there are many study and restoration projects underway. Since the implementation of the Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection, and Restoration Act (CWPPRA) in 1990, there have been 151 coastal restorat...
The tidal salt marshes make vital contributions to the ecosystem in Jamaica Bay. The marshes help spawning processes and are primary nursery for species important to both recreational and commercial uses, providing protection from storm surges, and also removing pollutants and other toxic substances, which as a result, acts as a natural filter, improving the water quality in the bay. Salt marshes are low lying, grasslands that periodically become overwhelmed and drained by high tides. The fish and shellfish nurseries and are also a feeding ground for various species of wildlife in the ecosystem. They support a variety of invertebrates such as mussels, shrimp, oysters and horseshoe crabs that are key elements of the estuarine ecosystem. However, throughout the past few decades, the salt marshes at Jamaica Bay has significantly declined which created a tremendous negative impact on the general public in addition to the deterioration on the living habitats in the area. Many factors contribute to the decline such as sediment depletion, neighboring developments, increased tidal ranges, and especially nitrogen loading from untreated sewage. Although the damages done were unintentional, much of it was occurred due to negligence. As awareness has increased, restoration efforts have escalated as well as various groups respond well to mitigate the losses.
Mangrove roots collect sediments and slow down the water's flow, helping to protect the coastline and preventing erosion overtime. Over a long period of time, the roots can collect enough debris and mud to extend the edge of the coastline further out. Mangroves are teeming with life. Shorebirds, Soldier Crabs, Crab-Eating Monkeys, and fishing cats all make the mangrove home or habitat. Mangroves provide a safe place to live or home and a nursery for a variety of fish, birds, crustaceans, and
Stradbroke Island is approximately 40km East of Brisbane and forms part of the Eastern boundary of Moreton Bay in South East Queensland. The island is 38km long and 12km at its widest point (Natural and Human Environment, 2014). It is filled with a diverse range of ecosystems and has a rich variety of fauna and flora, including the mangrove ecosystem at Myora Springs. Myora Springs is a wetland site, located north of Stradbroke Island, with freshwater springs directly connected to the mangrove community (Restoring a special place at Myora Springs, 2012). This is the perfect environment for the mangrove as there is rivers present to carry their sediment load into the sea, and there is shelter from high wave action and strong currents to carry the sediment.
Globally coastal wetlands are disappearing at an alarming rate, the problem is most of society does not realize the value of these precious wetlands. Coastal wetlands provide an important role in the coastal ecosystem. “Coastal wetlands provide critical services such as absorbing energy from coastal storms, preserving shorelines, protecting human populations and infrastructure, supporting commercial seafood harvests, absorbing pollutants and serving as critical habitat for migratory bird populations”(Anonymous, 2011). Coastal wetlands are an economical asset as well as an environmental one.
With this research being slightly outdated, as a consequence the impacts founded as result of these studies may be higher or lesser. Management strategies for the reduction in the destruction of coral reefs due to human impacts are numbered, with further advancements in these strategies, there is encouraging signs to show that conservation and preservation is a useful tool and is being implemented in certain regions of the
Threats to the marine habitat are inclusive of “hard” damage to the marine environment, caused by destructive fishing practices, which include bottom dredging, blast fishing, and trawling among others. Issues like water pollution, development of coastal wetlands, and the decline of coral reefs due to ocean acidification are some other threats to the marine environment. Furthermore, there is a severe lack of regulation, especially aimed at the protection and conservation of highly migratory species, which is a contributing factor to the continued damage to the marine environment.
Most damage to the reef has occurred in the last fifty years. It coincided almost exactly with an increase in land clearing (source 11) and the disappearance of wet lands (source 1) for coastal development followed by population growth (source 7) and farming (source 11). These disturbances to the environment damage natural habitats and loosened the sediment causing it to be washed into the ocean. The pollutants and pesticides from farming together with a sharp increase in the use of synthetic nitrogen in fertilizers (source 8) in the last fifty years sped up inland pollution. The pollutants bind with the sediments creating a sticky mud that covers the coral algae called zooxanthellae killing the coral. Pollutants and sediments also create a hazy cloud in the water blocking out sunlight and preventing photosynthesis. (source 12) Apart from this there is also an increase in marine based pollution such as ship wrecks (source 3) h...
In this report, I will analyse the data obtained from our field inquiry to Changi Coast to determine if the hypothesis “The dynamic coastal environment requires the implementation of coastal management strategies to ensure its sustainability” is true. Coastal management is the attempt by people to maintain the natural features of the coast for their own advantage. Our aim is to find out if the Changi coast needs coastal management.
...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.
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).
Coral Reefs need to be preserved for many reasons. In this paper I will discuss a
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.
One of the most unique and least understood environments found in nature is that of the mangrove. This ecosystem is found at the junction between land and sea. Author, Loren Eiseley (1971) wrote vividly about his encounter with a mangrove forest in the book The Night Country:
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).