PROTECTING THE OCEAN LIFE

How can we reduce our impact on marine life?

Humanity’s impact on the oceans is directly threatening the life of hundreds of species that live and thrive in them. Some examples are plastic pollution, fuel spills, raising temperatures, etc.

The challenge will be to develop a biological-based approach in order to reduce the impact of humans in marine life.

The Challenge

Humanity’s impact on the oceans is directly threatening the life of hundreds of species that live and thrive in them. Some examples are plastic pollution, fuel spills, increasing temperatures, etc. Your challenge is to develop a biological-based approach in order to reduce the impact of humans in marine life. You can focus on one specific problem and use multiple perspectives to tackle it.

Background

The ocean and the life on it are essential for all life on Earth, including humans. The Oceans cover 71 % of the planets and are home to important species and ecosystems and scientists say that at least 50 % of earth’s oxygen production comes from our oceans and, obviously, they are a major source of food and medicine and a critical part of the biosphere.  Only recently, scientists have come to know about the devastating impact that human activity has produced on ocean life. Fuel spills, plastic pollution, habitat destruction, climate change, invasive species, and other forms of human exploitation have put our ocean at risk. No area has been left untouched.

The oceans cover over 70% of the Earth's surface and are home to a diverse array of life forms. However, humanity's impact on the oceans is directly threatening the life of hundreds of species that live and thrive in them. Some examples of human impact on marine life include plastic pollution, fuel spills, increasing temperatures, and overfishing. These activities are causing significant damage to marine ecosystems and are threatening the survival of many species.

Objective

Develop a biological-based approach in order to reduce the impact of humans in marine life. You can focus on one specific problem and use multiple perspectives to tackle it.
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Potential Considerations
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 As you develop your solution, you may (but are not required to) consider the following:

  • Identifying the most pressing problems: The first step in developing a biological-based approach is to identify the most pressing problems facing marine life. This could include plastic pollution, overfishing, or the effects of climate change on coral reefs. Once a problem has been identified, multiple perspectives can be used to tackle it.
  • Developing new technologies: One perspective to reduce the impact of humans on marine life is the development of new technologies. This could include developing biodegradable plastics, or using bioremediation techniques to clean up oil spills.
  • Exploring the use of marine organisms: Another perspective is to explore the use of marine organisms to mitigate the impact of human activities on marine life. For example, certain species of bacteria can break down plastic, and certain species of fish can be used to control invasive species.
  • Promoting conservation and sustainable practices: Another perspective is to promote conservation and sustainable practices. This could include implementing regulations and policies to protect marine habitats, and encouraging sustainable fishing practices.

Resources

  • The Ocean Conservancy: This organization provides information and resources on a variety of ocean conservation topics, including plastic pollution, overfishing, and marine protected areas.
  • The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA): This agency of the U.S. government provides information on ocean and coastal resources, including marine protected areas and endangered species.
  • The World Wildlife Fund: This organization works to protect a wide range of marine species and habitats, including coral reefs, whales, and sea turtles.
  • The Monterey Bay Aquarium: This aquarium provides a wealth of information on ocean conservation, including information on specific species and habitats, as well as conservation action and policy.
  • The Ocean Project: This organization works to engage people in protecting the ocean and its inhabitants through education and outreach, and it provides resources for educators and students.
  • Ocean Conservancy's International Coastal Cleanup: This annual event focuses on collecting trash from beaches and waterways, and it provides resources for organizing and participating in cleanups.
  • MarineBio Conservation Society: This non-profit organization provides resources on marine conservation biology and marine life, including information on specific species, threats, and conservation efforts.

INTERESTING READING

  • The Challenger Expedition: Exploring the Ocean's Depths, Dr. Erika Jones.
Stay tuned!
Additional resources will be added soon

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