Reviving Oceans

A must-see TEDx Talk by Jim Simon, head of the largest international conservation program dedicated to protecting the worlds oceans. Mr. Simon goes on to explain the emerging relationships between conserving ecosystems and producing food, and in doing so, explains this mutualistic relationship through wild fish. The rest? Watch and find out.

Pretty, isn’t it?

Well, think again. This is an image of a lionfish, one of the most invasive species known to dwell the earth’s oceans. In fact, nearly 84% of the worlds costal ecoregions, which feed into the ocean, have been infiltrated by atlas one or MORE invasive specie. Now, on the surface, this lion fish may seem beautiful and complex, but the detrimental effects of fish, such as this, cause a variety of problems to our world’s oceans.

So, how do these “invasive species” come to be about in our body’s of water?

Well...

Majority of the invasive species found in an area were transported there via the bottom of a ship (private, commercial, governmental, etc.)

Then, canals that were designed to connect with previously isolated bodies of water can easily transport invasive species to new areas. For example, the Suez Canal.

So, by now, you might be thinking. Why should I care so much? I will most likely never come in contact with that fish!

WRONG! Think again!

Invasive species, such as this fish, can not only be detrimental to the coastal habitats of oceans, but they can also displace the native species there due to increased competition.

If one invasive specie is introduced to a designated area, it can displace native plants and animals because of the lack of competition, disrupt and permanently alter food chains and webs, and change environmental process, as well as damaging the economy of local fisheries. You see? One small invasive specie can have many detrimental effects to not only the environment, but also our society.

So, what can we do?

YOU CAN PREVENT INVASIVE SPECIES FROM BEING INTRODUCED! Policies are already being developed to provide for the safety of our ocean’s water and to prevent the livelihood of our ecosystems, but you can make a difference now.  Research up on invasive species close to your surroundings, and if you see any, get rid of them! More often then not, your local health county will have instructions to safely dispose of the specie, and you might be returned with some compensation in doing so! Want to learn more about invasive species and their effects in the ocean?

Click Here! http://ocean.si.edu/ocean-news/5-invasive-species-you-should-know Sources:

http://www.nature.org/ourinitiatives/habitats/oceanscoasts/threatsimpacts/what-we-do-q.xml

A new study says a mass extinction event could happen soon in our oceans, and humans are to blame.

Food for thought: 

So, imagine this. 

The farmer that grows your food obviously uses pesticides and insecticides. But then one day, it rains terrible, and the pesticide/insecticide that has built up in the soil is washed away with the rain into the nearby river. This nutrient river is then transported throughout the ocean, often allowing for eutrophication to occur (leachate runoff in which the depletion of oxygen occurs). Sooner of later, the fertilizers are transported to an opening in the ocean, and of course, it affects millions of ecosystems within. Now imagine this, this is not just the effect of one farmer’s farm. This happens to almost ALL farmlands, and is one of the major reasons of nutrient pollution in the ocean. 

Don’t believe me?

Well, in 1980, North Carolina’s Pamlico River saw a rise excessive levels of nutrients in water, such as phosphorous and other elements abundant in fertilizers, pesticides, and insecticides. This led to depleted oxygen, many sickly species, dead fish, and algal bloom. When tested for, it was found that row crops and erodible soil had leached dangerous chemicals into the water, and thus created the rapid proliferation of nutrient depleted organisms. Now, this may still seem minute. However, when actual HUMANS depend on these water resources for food, recreational activities, and even water, IT IS SUPER IMPORTANT. So, what can you do? Well for one thing, you can become more informed. In North Carolina, at least, many farmers have reduced the amount of fertilizer used and have began to approach conservational tilling methods. This will allow for chemicals to NOT enter into sources of water, which will then stay its way out of the oceans and affect even more ecosystems.

On a global scale, Obama passed the National Ocean Policy in 2010 that allows for a group of mandated governmental organizations to provide for the upkeep and laws governing ocean bodies, including the agricultural relationships. 

What else can you do? 

Prompt state action. If you live in an area that is somewhat rural and suburban, chances are that your local farmers may NOT be abiding by federal regulations governing bodies of water. It’s up to you to take these charges against your health and human services board to align them with the national standard. 

Make a difference. Be the change. 

Sources:

http://water.epa.gov/polwaste/nps/success319/nc_tar.cfm

Jacques Yves Cousteau, Oceanographer

Did you know that the livelihood of ocean ecosystems not only depends on the ocean itself, but also the job stability, food chain and recreational activities as well?

You may not think of it, but many of our everyday, common fish, such as cod and tuna, are actually depleted in the ocean, yet, we still continue to overfish them everyday! In fact, more than one-half of the global fish population is overexploited or has already collapsed! Yes, there has been a HUGE economic boost in the seafood industry, but at what cost!? The overfishing has depleted the oceans of a much needed source of vitality and productivity. So, what can we do? Here’s what:

1. Ensure that catch limits are in effect for certain fishes and make sure we do NOT overexploit the fish population!

2. Eat sustainability caught seafood! Do not eat the commercialized stuff! Be eco-friendly.

3. Voice your opinion on fishing laws and make sure that you, along with fisherman, abide by ALL of the fishing laws.

If the fishing industry does not change the way it is treating the environment now, then the earth’s oceans are doomed of instability in ecosystems. Make a difference. Be the change. 

Sources: