Dynamic Planet - Oceans on the Edge - 6

Oceans on the Edge

How and why are some eco-systems threatened with destruction?
The worlds ocean eco-systems are under threat. Over fishing, pollution, sea level changes are threatening their fragile eco-systems. The worlds ocean ecosystems include: Coral eefs, !angrove "wamps and Continental "helves.

What are the threats to coral reefs?

/an *on /ay, Thailand

#ressure from coral reef e$ploitation

Over fishing of reefs and lagoons has effected the eco-system and food chain of coral reefs emoval of %each material and coral for %uilding

#ressure from population growth

Cutting down forests near the coast for farm land increases fresh water and sediment washing into coral reefs. 'ncreased (uantities fertilisers on farm land cause eutrophication #ollution from sewage of growing ur%an areas

#ressure from glo%al warming

& faster rate of rise in sea levels will effect the formation of coral reefs, as they are found in shallow seas &n increasing li)elihood of tropical storms, which could damage coral reefs +igher water temperatures cause bleaching and death of coral reefs ,as well as the algae that live on themOcean currents could %e disrupted %y melting ice caps. This could change ocean temperatures and effect ha%itats and ecosystems

*ynamiting channels through coral reefs to improve har%our access .se of the reefs %y holiday visitors for recreation ,diving-

Dynamic Planet - Oceans on the Edge - 6

What are the threats to coral reefs and how can they be managed? E.g. /an *on /ay, Thailand
Economic %enefits of development Coral reefs are an important feature for tourism in /an *on /ay. !any hotel resorts and tourist companies %enefit from the scenic value of the reefs. "mall %usinesses such as tourist %oat and dive shops operators are dependant on the coral reefs. The coral reefs provide food and shelter for high value fish such as lo%ster. Environmental costs of development Over fishing has affected the eco-system and food chain The use of destructive fishing methods such as dynamite fishing damage the coral reef and fish ha%itats #ollution from the growing ur%an and industrial areas can cause eutro$hication /oat moorings in reef areas can damage the reef Sedimentation due to deforestation and from waste water associated with coastal development can harm the fragile reef ecosystem. +ow can /an *on /ay %e managed %isitor centre and trained guides to raise pu%lic awareness Esta%lishing a marine $ar&, where fees are charged for entry, souvenirs and %oat permits. The money then goes to developing the area sustaina%ly. /last and dynamite fishing have %een %anned. Sustainable use of the reef rather than %anning it altogether. E.g. !oorings and %uoys used to mar) the location of the reefs to %oats. "ome areas are 2oned off and some availa%le for tourists.

3or the management of /an *on /ay to %e successful and sustainable it must involve all groups of people. 't must protect the bio-di"ersity of the reef, %ut still allow tourists and fishermen to %enefit from it.

What is the role of global actions to maintain ocean health?

Sustainable management needs to ta)e place at local, national and glo%al scales in order to %e successful. 0e must manage the oceans in order to avoid damaging them for future generations. lobal! !arine #rotection &reas 1 &reas of protected oceans, although they are often too small in si2e and do not cover the areas of greatest bio-di"ersity. #egional! The European .nion ,E.- Common 3isheries #olicy 1 +as tried to increase the fish stoc) in the 4orth "ea due to over fishing. They have done this %y setting up 2ones where fish li)e cod can no longer %e caught.