The Purpose Of UNCLOS And The Marine Environment

Economic activity and our environment have been closely linked since man first discovered the concept of trade. In the language of economics, the environment has itself, become an increasingly “scarce resource1”. Since economics is about managing these scarce resources, it will be a useful tool when considering some of the environmental issues facing our planet. One of the major concerns confronting the environment today is the overfishing of the world’s oceans, depleting some species to near extinction. With continued advances in technological and industrial proficiency, fishing vessels are able to fish across the globe, further exacerbating the effects of overfishing. Because the oceans are considered a shared or common

Overfishing is a death sentence to the world’s oceans. As technology continues to improve a great deal of fish can be caught quicker; but at what cost? The effects of overfishing can lead to the extinction of not just the animals being fished, but also the predators that rely on fish to eat. Ninety percent of the ocean’s largest animals have been wiped out due to overfishing (“Overfishing- A Global Disaster”, 2011). National Geographic cites the academic journal Science (2006) that predicts by 2048, all fisheries will collapse due to lack of ocean wildlife. Fish are not the only animal caught in the nets used by fishing vessels. Often animals such as dolphins, sharks, turtles, and seabirds are

The oceans need to be protected because it is where life began and if not taken care of, life as we know it will end. The well-being of the ocean is constantly being threatened and needs to stop. When dangerous substances go into the ocean, ecosystems suffer and become endangered along with the lives of people and marine life. The importance of protecting and preserving the quality and biodiversity of the world 's coasts must be recognized because they are truly irreplaceable. If humans are not educated , and become careless about what is thrown on the ground or sprayed on lawns, disastrous effects follow when it comes to the condition of the ocean’s ecosystems, which can endanger life itself, leading to a problem only we can correct. There is historical evidence of ocean pollution, although the problem still shadows us today.

Marine pollution is not a new phenomenon, but our acknowledgement of its impacts and severity is relatively new, with the first laws and discussions to counter it only appearing in the 1950’s. For much of history, it was thought that the oceans were so large that any pollution created would be negligible and easily diluted (Marine Pollution). Since, countless research and laws have been implemented in order to preserve our marine ecosystems because of how crucial these ecosystems are to humanity.

For the past 5 years I have worked with NOAA at the marine protected areas center both on the MPA inventory and as ocean use mapping coordinator with Mimi D'Iorio and Charlie Wahle, whom I believe you know from your days on the federal advisory council. The ocean use work is dependent on building an effective network of partners that range from state and federal agencies to ocean stakeholders including non-consumptive users, commercial and recreational fishermen, and conservationists. Through my work with the Pacific Regional Ocean Uses Atlas I have demonstrated the ability to build such a network that leverages capacity of state and local partners, and engages the ocean community to participate in a process that assists in the development of federal ocean and coastal policy initiatives.

The MLPA was response to public pressure for more ocean protection. Protecting of natural marine ecosystem services requires that managers find a way maintaining the health of coastal and

In 2009, Dr. Sylvia Earle wrote The World is Blue to educate and alert the reader about human impacts on marine ecosystems. Through this book she conveys her passion and methodical arguments concerning the importance of the conservation of the ocean, which encompasses approximately 80 percent of the earth’s surface. Dr. Earle states “the ocean touches you with every breath you take, every drop of water you drink, every bite you consume” (17). This statement emphasizes the significance of the ocean, not only for marine life, but all life forms on earth. The book implies that currently in today’s world, the conservation of the ocean requires a global effort to reduce human damage from the past generations. Using facts gleaned from credible scientific resources, she defines the problems of overfishing, bycatch, and pollution. By analyzing human impacts on marine ecosystems, Dr. Earle determines successful and unsuccessful solutions to these problems and suggests various ways individuals can change their lifestyles to reduce impact on the environment as a whole.

Benjamin Halpern and Andrew Rosenberg have differing viewpoints as to whether or not our marine resources can be sustainably managed. Halpern believes this can be achieved if traditional fishing should be limited from marine protected areas to allow maintenance of these fisheries. But when speaking about sustainable approaches for our marine resources with the public there’s a lot of resistance because the public tends to view these areas as excluded. In other words, the public is not allowed traditional fishing, water sports, or other similar activities in those areas. That’s why there are different types of sustainable use and management of those resources. Areas like nursery grounds to protect ecosystems are different from other areas settled for fishing species like the commercial lobster, for example. Some species are set aside and protected until they reach a certain growth so then they can eventually migrate to an area where they can be reached by local officials.

In comparison of David Allan’s masterfully sculpted Overfishing of Inland Waters to Myers’ vastly informative Rapid Worldwide Depletion of Predatory Fish Communities, the two contrasting writing styles embodied in the journal entries are blazingly evident. While each article shares the same postulation of mankind milking our oceans dry, the similarities stop there. One presents itself in circuitous manner and the other undeviating, not slowed by the baggage of excess verbiage. Regardless of the authors’ approach, each article contains largely similar evidence. The importance lies within the information: not presentation.

The only way we can get a full picture of state of our oceans and an idea of how to better manage them is through scientific exploration and research. This scientific work costs money and at the time of the councils recommendations, funding was only half of what they believed to be a sufficient amount to fully study the oceans. Money is a maker or breaker in many aspects of research. Without funds the ability to produce needed data is extremely handicapped. With appropriate funding one of the ways the US Ocean council suggests

** As you can see the marine biome is SUPER important and we have a responsibility to protect it. Read the following national geographic to find out how: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/oceans/take-action/10-things-you-can-do-to-save-the-ocean/

The marine protected area that I have chosen to report on is the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park in Australia which seeks to provide protection to the Great Barrier Reef ecosystem from activities that could potentially harm the organisms that live there. It was established in 1975 by the Government of Australia, who instituted the Great Barrier Reef Act of 1975 which created the Great Barrier Reef Marine Authority to specify which activities would be allowed on the reef and which ones would be forbidden (Australian Government Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority). It is located of the coast of Queensland, Australia and contains a variety of marine life within the barrier reef. It was established to protect the biodiversity and ecosystems

Since the beginning of the human race, the ocean has been a major source of food. People near the shores have been taking of advantage of the ocean’s rich and diverse source of nourishment for centuries, both as a source of food and a livelihood. However, since the dawn of the industrial age, humans have begun to take from the ocean more that it can give. As a result, the ocean can no longer provide the human race with the abundance that it once did. As technology rapidly advances, populations skyrocket, and global warming spreads havoc, the ocean’s biodiversity and once abundant supply of fish is dwindling, calling marine scientists and experts to race to find solutions that will restore the oceans health while battling world hunger.

Marine biologist play a key role in understanding climate change and identifying sustainable and profitable ways humans can use the sea and its resources. Marine biologist understand marine organisms needs in their habitats, ultimately helping protect species and reduce human threats. As experts in understanding marine habitats, marine biologist often form essential parts of relief teams. They respond to oil spills and chemical leaks, helping other scientist restore normalcy to local habitats. Sometimes, marine biologists influence other spheres, such as economics and law. They might analyze the effect of sonar on whales and seals, for instance, recommending best practices for reducing harm on those sensitive populations. Marine biologists understand how the ocean supports basic needs, and in turn relay that information to lawmakers, who establish protocols regarding human use of ocean waters and marine organisms. Marine biologist help develop ocean technology too, improving waste elimination, energy sourcing and extraction of key sources. A brief review of components of the marine environment, world food resources, climate control, air and water quality, transportation, and the ecosystem balance are important features that are studied by marine biology. So, understanding why marine biology is important is foundational to integrating a balanced approach toward management of the sea and proper stewardship of organisms,

Seagrasses are essential primary producers that provide habitat and refuge to fauna. Anthropogenic influences have caused global loss of seagrasses and a major contributor is eutrophication, which increases phytoplankton and algal populations, reduces light availability, and causes daily hypoxic conditions. Eutrophication is commonly linked to declines in temperate conditions and is more difficult to link to tropical systems since decreases are typically related to physical damage and diminishing light conditions from runoff. Climate change, herbivore declines, disease and overfishing, along with anthropogenic impacts from coastal development, run-off, eutrophication, and aquaculture have caused declines in coral reefs and mangrove systems. These three systems are interconnected and when one system is impacted, secondary impacts are observed in the other systems; coastal ecosystems will be adversely effected and decline. Additional research, conservation, and ways to reduce anthropogenic impacts have been discussed. Restoration is used to reverse habitat loss, although success is varied. Coastal systems and the biological and ecosystem services they provide, may take decades to establish. Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are instituted to protect systems from further degradation, restore communities and allow them to flourish naturally. However, local residents are affected by MPAs and may become displaced, have restriction placed on their livelihood, or elimination of their