Marine restoration

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Marine restoration involves actions taken to restore the marine environment to its state prior to anthropogenic damage. This is particularly disastrous given that the ocean takes up the largest part of our planet and serves as the home to many organisms, including the algae that provides most. The ocean is currently suffering from the impacts of human damage including pollution, acidification, species loss, and more. This could prove particularly catastrophic given that the ocean takes up the largest part of the planet and serves as the home to many organisms, including the algae that provides around half of the oxygen on Earth. [1] Efforts have been made by various agencies to help alleviate these issues.

Contents

Methods

Carbon dioxide removal

The ocean has long helped get rid of excess carbon on Earth with its role in the Carbon cycle. However, the excess emissions and warming temperature as the result of climate change may change the ocean's ability to cycle carbon as efficiently. [2] This has made it necessary to augment natural processes to increase the natural amount of Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR). [3] Electrochemical approaches remain the most popular. Current methods involve applying voltage to a membrane stack to split the stream of water. A team of professors from MIT have hypothesized ways to make the methods cheaper and more efficient. [4] Efforts to improve carbon capture naturally by means of preserving the seagrass meadows have been enacted by various British conservation efforts. [5]

Coral restoration

Coral reefs provide a vital part of the ocean ecosystem, serving as the habitat to many species and protection for the coastline from erosion and storms. [6] At this time, thirty to fifty percent of Earth's coral reefs have already been lost . Coral has been threatened by pollution, overfishing, and unsafe fishing techniques. [7] Methods to restore coral reefs have involved the gardening and transplanting of coral developed at different sites to locations previously inhabited by coral, as well as the use of green engineering methods to help the coral become more suited to the changing environment. [8] [9]

Mangrove regrowth

Mangrove forests, like coral reefs, are essential for protecting the coastlines and providing a habitat for various aqueous creatures . They too have been severely threatened, mostly for wood harvesting and fish farms. Wetland scientist Robin Lewis has spent the past few decades restoring mangrove forests. Previously, attempts to restore mangrove environments were made by replanting mangrove seedlings grown elsewhere, but this proved to be ineffective. Lewis took to moving dirt and relying on tide systems, which proved more effective . There are currently multiple mangrove restoration organizations across the world to help protect biodiversity. [10]

Removing pollutants

Plastic, oil, and other pollutants have detrimental impacts on marine environments. [11] As a result, various organizations have developed technology to physically remove pollutants. [12] There has been some criticism of clean-up methods, such as The Ocean Cleanup, over concerns that the methods, similar to fish trawling, may harm marine life and do not understand the nature of plastic pollution in the ocean. [13] At this point, the more effective method of combating ocean pollution is keeping it from reaching the ocean to begin with through waste management and legislation to prevent further pollution . Some research has shown that certain bacteria could naturally consume plastics, but more studies are needed. [14]

Legislation

In order to enforce protection to the marine environment, various pieces of legislation have been passed. The Clean Water Act (CWA) was passed in the US Congress in 1972 to protect national waters. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) created The Global Programme of Action for the Protection of the Marine Environment from Land-based Activities to protect marine ecosystems. [15] They also passed the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships in 1973 to prevent ship-based pollution to the ocean. The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) was updated from its original intention of the Law of the Sea to include protecting wildlife and marine ecoystems, which was agreed upon by countries from all inhabited continents. [16] Various cities, states, and countries have placed bans on single use plastic with marine protection often cited as a primary reason. [17] [18] The Break Free From Plastic Act reached the US Senate in 2021 and is still being decided. [19]

Organizations

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Coast</span> Area where land meets the sea or ocean

The coast, also known as the coastline or seashore, is defined as the area where land meets the ocean, or as a line that forms the boundary between the land and the coastline. Shores are influenced by the topography of the surrounding landscape, as well as by water induced erosion, such as waves. The geological composition of rock and soil dictates the type of shore which is created. The Earth has around 620,000 kilometres (390,000 mi) of coastline. Coasts are important zones in natural ecosystems, often home to a wide range of biodiversity. On land, they harbor important ecosystems such as freshwater or estuarine wetlands, which are important for bird populations and other terrestrial animals. In wave-protected areas they harbor saltmarshes, mangroves or seagrasses, all of which can provide nursery habitat for finfish, shellfish, and other aquatic species. Rocky shores are usually found along exposed coasts and provide habitat for a wide range of sessile animals and various kinds of seaweeds. In physical oceanography, a shore is the wider fringe that is geologically modified by the action of the body of water past and present, while the beach is at the edge of the shore, representing the intertidal zone where there is one. Along tropical coasts with clear, nutrient-poor water, coral reefs can often be found between depths of 1–50 meters.

The National Ocean Service (NOS) is an office within the U.S. Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). It is responsible for preserving and enhancing the nation's coastal resources and ecosystems along approximately 95,000 miles (153,000 km) of shoreline, that is bordering 3,500,000 square miles (9,100,000 km2) of coastal, Great Lakes and ocean waters. Its mission is to "provide science-based solutions through collaborative partnerships to address evolving economic, environmental, and social pressures on our oceans and coasts." The office works with partnered agencies to ensure that ocean and coastal areas are safe, healthy, and productive. It`s projects focus on working to ensure safe and efficient marine transportation, promoting the protection of coastal communities, conserving marine and coastal places. It employs 1,700 scientists, natural resource managers, and specialists in many different fields. The National Ocean Service was previously known as the National Ocean Survey until it was renamed in 1983.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Marine pollution</span> Pollution of oceans from substances discarded by humans

Marine pollution occurs when substances used or spread by humans, such as industrial, agricultural and residential waste, particles, noise, excess carbon dioxide or invasive organisms enter the ocean and cause harmful effects there. The majority of this waste (80%) comes from land-based activity, although marine transportation significantly contributes as well. It is a combination of chemicals and trash, most of which comes from land sources and is washed or blown into the ocean. This pollution results in damage to the environment, to the health of all organisms, and to economic structures worldwide.Since most inputs come from land, either via the rivers, sewage or the atmosphere, it means that continental shelves are more vulnerable to pollution. Air pollution is also a contributing factor by carrying off iron, carbonic acid, nitrogen, silicon, sulfur, pesticides or dust particles into the ocean. The pollution often comes from nonpoint sources such as agricultural runoff, wind-blown debris, and dust. These nonpoint sources are largely due to runoff that enters the ocean through rivers, but wind-blown debris and dust can also play a role, as these pollutants can settle into waterways and oceans. Pathways of pollution include direct discharge, land runoff, ship pollution, bilge pollution, atmospheric pollution and, potentially, deep sea mining.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Marine conservation</span> Protection and preservation of saltwater ecosystems

Marine conservation, also known as ocean conservation, is the protection and preservation of ecosystems in oceans and seas through planned management in order to prevent the over-exploitation of these marine resources. Marine conservation is informed by the study of marine plants and animal resources and ecosystem functions and is driven by response to the manifested negative effects seen in the environment such as species loss, habitat degradation and changes in ecosystem functions and focuses on limiting human-caused damage to marine ecosystems, restoring damaged marine ecosystems, and preserving vulnerable species and ecosystems of the marine life. Marine conservation is a relatively new discipline which has developed as a response to biological issues such as extinction and marine habitats change.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Marine ecosystem</span> Ecosystem in saltwater environment

Marine ecosystems are the largest of Earth's aquatic ecosystems and exist in waters that have a high salt content. These systems contrast with freshwater ecosystems, which have a lower salt content. Marine waters cover more than 70% of the surface of the Earth and account for more than 97% of Earth's water supply and 90% of habitable space on Earth. Seawater has an average salinity of 35 parts per thousand of water. Actual salinity varies among different marine ecosystems. Marine ecosystems can be divided into many zones depending upon water depth and shoreline features. The oceanic zone is the vast open part of the ocean where animals such as whales, sharks, and tuna live. The benthic zone consists of substrates below water where many invertebrates live. The intertidal zone is the area between high and low tides. Other near-shore (neritic) zones can include mudflats, seagrass meadows, mangroves, rocky intertidal systems, salt marshes, coral reefs, lagoons. In the deep water, hydrothermal vents may occur where chemosynthetic sulfur bacteria form the base of the food web.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ocean Conservancy</span> Nonprofit environmental advocacy group

Ocean Conservancy is a nonprofit environmental advocacy group based in Washington, D.C., United States. The organization seeks to promote healthy and diverse ocean ecosystems, prevent marine pollution, climate change and advocates against practices that threaten oceanic and human life.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Elkhorn coral</span> Species of coral

Elkhorn coral is an important reef-building coral in the Caribbean. The species has a complex structure with many branches which resemble that of elk antlers; hence, the common name. The branching structure creates habitat and shelter for many other reef species. Elkhorn coral is known to grow quickly with an average growth rate of 5 to 10 cm per year. They can reproduce both sexually and asexually, though asexual reproduction is much more common and occurs through a process called fragmentation.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wild fisheries</span> Area containing fish that are harvested commercially

A wild fishery is a natural body of water with a sizeable free-ranging fish or other aquatic animal population that can be harvested for its commercial value. Wild fisheries can be marine (saltwater) or lacustrine/riverine (freshwater), and rely heavily on the carrying capacity of the local aquatic ecosystem.

Marine chemistry, also known as ocean chemistry or chemical oceanography, is influenced by plate tectonics and seafloor spreading, turbidity currents, sediments, pH levels, atmospheric constituents, metamorphic activity, and ecology. The field of chemical oceanography studies the chemistry of marine environments including the influences of different variables. Marine life has adapted to the chemistries unique to earth's oceans, and marine ecosystems are sensitive to changes in ocean chemistry.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Coral reef protection</span> Modifying human activities to reduce impact on coral reefs.

Coral reef protection is the process of modifying human activities to avoid damage to healthy coral reefs and to help damaged reefs recover. The key strategies used in reef protection include defining measurable goals and introducing active management and community involvement to reduce stressors that damage reef health. One management technique is to create Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) that directly limit human activities such as fishing.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Environmental issues with coral reefs</span> Factors which adversely affect tropical coral reefs

Human activities have substantial impact on coral reefs, contributing to their worldwide decline.[1] Damaging activities encompass coral mining, pollution, overfishing, blast fishing, as well as the excavation of canals and access points to islands and bays. Additional threats comprise disease, destructive fishing practices, and the warming of oceans.[2] Furthermore, the ocean's function as a carbon dioxide sink, alterations in the atmosphere, ultraviolet light, ocean acidification, viral infections, the repercussions of dust storms transporting agents to distant reefs, pollutants, and algal blooms represent some of the factors exerting influence on coral reefs. Importantly, the jeopardy faced by coral reefs extends far beyond coastal regions. The ramifications of climate change, notably global warming, induce an elevation in ocean temperatures that triggers coral bleaching—a potentially lethal phenomenon for coral ecosystems.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Marine habitats</span> Habitat that supports marine life

Marine habitats are habitats that support marine life. Marine life depends in some way on the saltwater that is in the sea. A habitat is an ecological or environmental area inhabited by one or more living species. The marine environment supports many kinds of these habitats.

The resilience of coral reefs is the biological ability of coral reefs to recover from natural and anthropogenic disturbances such as storms and bleaching episodes. Resilience refers to the ability of biological or social systems to overcome pressures and stresses by maintaining key functions through resisting or adapting to change. Reef resistance measures how well coral reefs tolerate changes in ocean chemistry, sea level, and sea surface temperature. Reef resistance and resilience are important factors in coral reef recovery from the effects of ocean acidification. Natural reef resilience can be used as a recovery model for coral reefs and an opportunity for management in marine protected areas (MPAs).

Marine Forensic Science is forensic science applied to legal issues involving marine life. It also refers to the scientific study and investigation of human incidents, accidents, or deaths occurring as a result of or involving bodies of water including oceans, streams or rivers, lakes, or ponds. Marine forensics uses law enforcement to protect fisheries resources, marine mammals, and endangered species. Pollution from rapid industrialization and other human activities caused declination in fisheries resources and coral reefs have threatened marine life. On October 21, 1972, the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 (MMPA) was enacted, was enacted, protecting fisheries resources, marine mammals, and endangered species. DNA analysis plays a vital role in marine forensics, considering the flesh and blood of marine species in investigations, as well as recovery techniques for investigations that include human remains. However, a marine environment poses many challenges to the taphonomy of dead remains and to the investigation itself affecting the accuracy of results. Many intrinsic and extrinsic factors have to be examined as the marine environment is constantly changing which can affect results. Thus, a marine scientist is essential to be observant and cautious at all times during investigations.

<i>Porites cylindrica</i> Species of coral

Porites cylindrica, commonly known as hump coral, is a stony coral of the subclass Hexacorallia in the class Anthozoa. Hexacorallia differ from other subclasses in that they have 6 or fewer axes of symmetry. Members of this class possess colonial polyps which can be reef-building, secreting a calcium carbonate skeleton. They are dominant in both inshore reefs and midshelf reefs.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Susan Williams (marine biologist)</span> American marine biologist

Susan Lynn Williams was an American marine biologist and Distinguished Professor of Evolution and Ecology at the University of California, Davis, where she directed the Bodega Marine Laboratory from 2000-2010. She researched marine coastal ecosystems and how they are affected by human activities. She was a strong advocate for environmental protection, credited with helping pass legislation expanding the boundaries of Northern California's Gulf of the Farallones and Cordell Bank national sanctuaries, increasing the area of federally-protected coastal waters.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Coral Reef Conservation Program</span>

Coral Reef Conservation Program (CRCP) is a partnership between National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) agencies, established in 2000. The program is a multidisciplinary approach, initiated by the NOAA, to managing and understanding coral reef ecosystems through research and the publication of data to support relevant partners involved in coral reef restoration.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Human impact on marine life</span>

Human activities affect marine life and marine habitats through overfishing, habitat loss, the introduction of invasive species, ocean pollution, ocean acidification and ocean warming. These impact marine ecosystems and food webs and may result in consequences as yet unrecognised for the biodiversity and continuation of marine life forms.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Coral reef restoration</span> Restoration of coral reefs

Coral reef restoration strategies use natural and anthropogenic processes to restore damaged coral reefs. Reefs suffer damage from a number of natural and man-made causes, and efforts are being made to rectify the damage and restore the reefs. This involves the fragmentation of mature corals, the placing of the living fragments on lines or frames, the nurturing of the fragments as they recover and grow, and the transplantation of the pieces into their final positions on the reef when they are large enough.

The Ocean Foundation is a 501(c)(3) community foundation, based in Washington, D.C. and established in 2002. Its mission is "to support, strengthen, and promote those organizations dedicated to reversing the trend of destruction of ocean environments around the world."

References

  1. ↑ "How much oxygen comes from the ocean?". oceanservice.noaa.gov. Retrieved 2023-04-09.
  2. ↑ "When it comes to sucking up carbon emissions, 'the ocean has been forgiving.' That might not last". PBS NewsHour. 2022-03-25. Retrieved 2023-04-09.
  3. ↑ "Ocean-Based Carbon Dioxide Removal". Ocean Visions. Retrieved 2023-04-09.
  4. ↑ Trager2023-03-10T09:31:00+00:00, Rebecca. "Electrochemistry offers new way to tackle rising carbon dioxide – extract it from seawater". Chemistry World. Retrieved 2023-04-09.
  5. ↑ McVeigh, Karen (2021-11-05). "The problem with blue carbon: can seagrass be replanted … by hand?". The Guardian. ISSN   0261-3077 . Retrieved 2023-04-09.
  6. ↑ US Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. "The Importance of Coral Reefs - Corals: NOAA's National Ocean Service Education". oceanservice.noaa.gov. Retrieved 2023-04-09.
  7. ↑ US Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. "Anthropogenic Threats to Corals - Corals: NOAA's National Ocean Service Education". oceanservice.noaa.gov. Retrieved 2023-04-09.
  8. ↑ Environment, U. N. (2021-01-18). "Coral Reef Restoration: A guide to coral restoration method". UNEP - UN Environment Programme. Retrieved 2023-04-09.
  9. ↑ Page, Christopher A.; Muller, Erinn M.; Vaughan, David E. (2018-11-01). "Microfragmenting for the successful restoration of slow growing massive corals". Ecological Engineering. 123: 86–94. doi: 10.1016/j.ecoleng.2018.08.017 . ISSN   0925-8574. S2CID   106389447.
  10. ↑ "Six projects restoring vital mangrove forests around the world". One Earth. Retrieved 2023-04-09.
  11. ↑ "Marine Pollution". education.nationalgeographic.org. Retrieved 2023-04-09.
  12. ↑ "Innovative Ways We're Cleaning Up the Ocean and How You Can Help". Applied Sciences from Technology Networks. Retrieved 2023-04-09.
  13. ↑ "Ocean plastic 'vacuums' are sucking up marine life along with trash". Popular Science. 2022-10-31. Retrieved 2023-04-09.
  14. ↑ Cambridge, University of. "Natural clean-up: Bacteria can remove plastic pollution from lakes". phys.org. Retrieved 2023-04-09.
  15. ↑ Nations, United. "Oceans and the Law of the Sea". United Nations. Retrieved 2023-04-09.
  16. ↑ "Overview - Convention & Related Agreements". www.un.org. Retrieved 2023-04-09.
  17. ↑ Pritchett, Liam (2020-01-07). "11 Most Impressive Plastic Bans Around the World". LIVEKINDLY. Retrieved 2023-04-09.
  18. ↑ plainvanilla (2021-11-12). "Plastics Bans in the US: Where They Are and How to Comply with Them". UrthPact. Retrieved 2023-04-09.
  19. ↑ admin. "Pollution Act | Break Free From Plastic". www.breakfreefromplastic.org. Retrieved 2023-04-09.
  20. ↑ "Ocean Visions". Ocean Visions. Retrieved 2023-04-09.
  21. ↑ "Home". Oceana. Retrieved 2023-04-09.
  22. ↑ "Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution". www.whoi.edu/. Retrieved 2023-04-09.
  23. ↑ "National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration". www.noaa.gov. Retrieved 2023-04-09.
  24. ↑ "Oceanic Preservation Society: A Voice for Our Oceans & Planet". Oceanic Preservation Society. Retrieved 2023-04-09.
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