Human

impact on marine environments

Throughout human existence we have relied on the oceans for food, as a

waste dump, for recreation, for economic opportunities and so on. Human
activity can affect the ocean and the creatures that live in it in many
different ways.The main areas of human impact can be divided into those
related to ocean pollution, habitat destruction, and the introduction of
alien species.
Fishing/Seafood
Humans destroy marine environments by overfishing.People are allowed
only a certain amount of fish but most people think this rule doesnt
apply to them.When people go fishing the size is also very important,small
fishies have to be put back into the sea and oceans. If not, it can stop
the reproduction of fishes and can also make fishes extinct. Snapper is an
example of a fish that is decreased in amount and increased in size so
not many people will be able to find it.Fishing boats can also impact the
oceans in many ways and so does the technique you use to fish, such as
dredging or trawling, could damage seascapes and habitats and sometimes
fisheries catch species that they do not want or need.If this continues
fishies will become rare,endangered or even extinct very fast.
What is dredging?
Dredging is the act of removing silt and other material from the bottom
of bodies of water.
What is trawling?
A trawl is a large wide-mouthed fishing net that is dragged through the
ocean in either mid-water or deep on the ocean floor (e.g. bottom
trawling)

Solution
The only and most obvious solution to this problem is to stop dredging
and trawing and to listen to the rules about fishing One solution is that
there should be marine protected areas that allow some portion of the
targeted fish stock to be completely protected from fishing. This is
probably the most effective way of ensuring that overfishing cannot
occur.
Waste dump and pollution
The definition of 'pollute' is "to make impure, especially to contaminate with
man-made waste." Humans have a lot of 'waste' that is often disposed in
the ocean, trash, sewage, oil, chemicals and heat to name a few.Eighty
percent of marine pollution comes from land. Air pollution is also contributed
by carrying off pesticides or dirt into the ocean. Land and air pollution have
proven to be harmful to marine life and its habitats.When plastic bags and
string get deposited into the sea it either chokes or strangles the marine
animal.Who knew that YOU are an animal killer?You may be vegetarian
because you feel that it is not right to kill animals but do you litter?Whether
the pollution is on land or in the sea it is a very serious problem that is not
taken that seriously.If pollution continues the whole entire sea will become
like the Great Garbage Patch.
Solution
Theres plenty you can do, either on your own or in a group, to make a
huge difference.
1. Organise a beach clean-up.
2. Reduce your rubbish.

3. Make sure only rain goes down the drain. Most drains flow
straight to the sea which means we could end up swimming
in anything that goes down them!
4. Take care of a local stream.
5. Find out more about your local beach.

Recreation
Snorkelling and diving
There are number of challenges being faced. Snorkelling and diving practices can
disturb wildlife, and damage marine plants and animals, through trampling or
crushing by a persons body, fins and equipment. Snorkelers, in particular, enjoy
fish feeding which can change the natural behaviour and diet of fish species.If
this continues fishes that hide in corals while not have a home and there will be
lots of frightened fish in the sea! :)

Cruise ships and boating

Cruise ships also disturbs marine wildlife.The also dispose their rubbish
into the seas because people think that one piece of rubbish will destroy
the sea and it DOES!!!! Many people have the same idea, so add up all
the people who went on a cruise and the people who disposed their
rubbish into the sea= MILLIONS!!It also disturbs breeding,resting and
flocks of birds.It can also cause accidental deaths for blue peguins and
sharks.As you may know blue peguins are nearly endangered.

Solution
We can solve this problem by not entering certain locations with animals
such as birds breeding and sleeping while boating and on a cruise
ship.People should also start snorkelling and diving in more deeper parts
of the ocean.
An overall solution to nearly everything is not to litter!!The marine
environment may not be something big now, but wait for a few more
years,it will be a total disaster!We use the Ocean for many different
reasons and I think that we need to more caring around it.

BY:ANGEL KUMAR :)
I hope you liked it Ms. Perera