Sci/275 Marine Habitat Research Paper

Marine Habitat Destruction
Anita Rouse
SCI/275
07/24/2010
Jean-Paul Simjouw, PhD

Marine habitats are in grave danger due to humans and Mother Nature. Hurricanes, typhoons, storm surges, and tsunamis are factors in which contributes to the destruction of marine habitats and are caused by Mother Nature. Human’s destruction to these habitats is much worse due to the fact that Mother Nature’s destruction is mostly temporary, while humans leave more of a lasting footprint on the habitats because of our persistence. (National Geographic, n.d.). Marine habitat destruction caused by humans are wetlands being filled for further development, runoff water which carries chemicals, pollutants, and wastes are pumped back into the water without
The destruction caused by Mother Nature cannot be prevented, but what can change is the destruction we humans are causing. I feel that it is important to try and reach out to every individual to get them to fully understand the dilemma, we need to make the public more aware of the situation at hand and its severity on marine animals and plants, and we also need to emphasize the affects it could end up having on humans and society. In order to do this I think it would be important to start small and work my out. Another aspect that would help greatly is to create more marine reserves, which protects the habitat and the animals and plants. In marine reserves no mining is allowed, no fishing, and no fish farming. (MarineBio, n.d.). The habitat are preserved and safe. This is not going to save all marine habitats, but any positive action, is a step in the right direction. The first steps I would take in educating the greater population would be to find those who want to conserve marine habitats and who are willing to dedicate their time to the project. Once I have a team built in my town we will work together to set up meetings in the neighborhoods, and at the schools. Going about setting up meetings would take a great deal of time because my team and I would have to research the affects we have had on marine
When it comes to educating individuals, it is not always easy; I do not feel that schools will be opposed, but will be supportive and willing. Those that will be opposed will be adults in the neighborhood, those that hold jobs on a fish farms, fisherman, miners in the ocean, and those that fish for recreational purposes. The reason for their opposition is because the ocean creates many jobs and a huge food source. In creating more marine reserves, there will be fewer areas to go mining, fishing, and less fish farms; this will also create more competition between fishermen. The reason for adults being opposed to the education is due to the fact that some may see that it is not important. The problem with ignoring the issue is that marine life will become threatened and endangered. When a marine habitat is ruined the animals that call that habitat home will in turn start to die off. When marine populations begin to drop, those that feed off of that source will be affected, and them humans will be affected. We are on top of the food chain and if we do nothing to protect the habits, our food supply from the water will be greatly depleted. (MarineBio, n.d.). Once marine life has depleted, many will loose their jobs. This is why we need more marine reserves, in order to preserve marine life and build up their population ensuring their