Term Paper

An Introduction to Marine Life

For many people, the first experience of marine environments is amazement at the bewildering variety of life in the oceans. Sea anemones and corals, sea stars and sea urchins, octopuses and squids are just a few marine creatures that we never encounter on land or in freshwater. Many other creatures are even less familiar, and it is often difficult for those interested in marine life to learn more about them. The aim of this introductory book is to introduce the diversity of life in the seas and to help newcomers to marine biology recognise the main kinds of marine organisms. The examples selected, focus on Victoria and southern Australia. The emphasis is on animals and plants that are commonly seen by divers, snorkellers, beachcombers, rock poolingers, and by anyone with an interest in marine life.

MARINE ENVIRONMENT IN PHILIPPINES

MANILA, The Philippines -- Some 100 scientists have declared the Philippines as the world’s "center of marine biodiversity" — not the Great Reef Barrier off east Australia — because of its vast species of marine and coastal resources, according to the World Bank.
However, the scientists raised the alarm that the country’s marine diversity is under threat of degradation.
Based on the WB report, "Philippine Environment Monitor 2005," the Philippines appears to be using its coastal resources "in a very inefficient manner" compared to other Southeast Asian countries.
The overall performance of the Philippines in marine and coastal resources conservation "is generally poor or very poor relative to other developing countries," the report added.
Elisea Gozun, former environment secretary and WB consultant, said the broad trends affecting the Philippine coastal areas include rapid population growth, widespread poverty, declining fishery productivity, increasing environmental damage and loss of biodiversity, and climate change.
"The coastal and marine waters of the Philippines are considered the center... [continues]

Read full essay