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Essay / Damage and exploitation of the Oceana - 2176
IntroductionLooking from space, we could clearly see that the earth is blue. Covering more than 70% of the earth's surface, the oceans are a sanctuary for millions of species. Surrounding all seven continents and spanning all latitudes and longitudes are a variety of habitats ranging from tropical coral reefs to arid subzero plains. These ecosystems have different temperatures, salinities, currents and biodiversity which create a unique habitat (Shah, Anup). With such diversity and extent of habitats, the Earth's ocean provides up to 95% of the habitable space on earth (No cost? Value the natural environment.). Many scientists estimate that more than 2.5 million different species exist in the oceans alone. From small alien-like fish in the trenches to blue whales roaming the open ocean, each species has its own ecological niche – a specific position in an elaborate interconnected system (What is Biodiversity). Unfortunately, the oceans have become a dumping ground and an unlimited resource for society. Carrying net after net of edible fish, the oceans are damaged as society continues to harvest unchecked. If people continue to exploit and abuse marine resources, the decline of biodiversity will lead to widespread ecosystem collapse and harm society. Overfishing With the population surpassing seven billion and a larger percentage relying on fish as a source of protein, the demand for seafood has increased exponentially. . In order to appease corporate hunger, the fishing industry continues to expand its fishing fleet and surface area. In 2011, the global fishing industry caught approximately 178 million tonnes from the ocean. About 2.5 trillion fish were harmed... middle of paper ......m, Paul A., Edward H. Huijbens, Stephen L. Wearing).ConclusionThe Earth's ocean is an incredible place. It not only provides for its own needs, but also for the animals that live on earth. In recent centuries, society lacked the knowledge to truly understand the impact it had on the environment. We have exploited and abused the resources provided by the ocean and wreaked havoc on the ecosystem. The current generation of young adults has a different mindset. Today's political leaders are trying to repair the damage they caused, and to some extent the ocean is recovering. However, today's generation focuses on how to prevent these damages rather than how to solve them. Even though there has been irreversible damage, we can make changes to society that can hugely benefit the ocean and begin to take care of its resources..