Facts and Figures on the Threats to Marine Ecosystem

The ocean covers more than two-thirds of our planet and without the ocean’s resources, we cannot lead a happy and healthy life. For many a century, we humans have used ocean resources to gather food and also as our dumping ground. But now people have realized the importance of the marine ecosystem and are trying to save it.

Marines are an important part of our environment and they need the necessary protection. To ensure a healthy surrounding and to lead a better life, we need to protect the marine ecosystem. Read on to find some of the threats to our marine ecosystem, aquatic ecosystem facts and marine biodiversity facts.   

Marine Environment Is Affected by Humans through These Following Causes:

• Introduction of marine pests
• Climate change and ocean acidification
• Harvesting – Food and other resources
• Urban development –Reclaiming land
• Land-based sources of pollution
• Sedimentation
• 4WD vehicles on beaches

Marine Ecosystems Facts:

• By the year 2100, without significant changes, more than half of the world’s marine species may stand on the brink of extinction.

• The United Nations Environment Programme estimated in 2006 that every square mile of ocean contains 46,000 pieces of floating plastic.

• Today 60% of the world’s major marine ecosystems that underpin livelihoods have been degraded or are being used unsustainably.

• Between 1980 and 2005, 35,000 square kilometers of mangroves were removed globally.

• Ocean acidification may threaten plankton, which is key to the survival of larger fish.

• Approximately 12% of the land area is protected, compared to roughly 1% of the world ocean and adjacent seas.

• Plastic debris causes the deaths of more than a million seabirds every year, as well as more than 100,000 marine mammals.