Exploring Oceans 4. How is climate change impacting the ocean system?
- Created by: DanBish
- Created on: 08-05-22 22:51
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- How is climate change impacting the ocean system?
- How acidification of oceans contributes to depleting fish stocks and has
resulting impacts for people.
- Impacts of acidification on marine ecosystems
- Molluscs and Crustacea are less able to build their shells
- If members of the lower trophic levels are more susceptible to predation they are less likely to reach maturity and breed
- If these organisms reduce in numbers, the higher trophic levels in marine ecosystems are put at risk
- Declining populations of marine organisms with Calcium Carbonate shells and skeletons affect the carbon cycle
- Human impacts of ocean acidification
- 200 million tonnes of seafood are produced annually across the globe (from ocean fishing and aquaculture such as fish farms)
- Some LIDCs and EDCs depend on seafood as a source of protein as they have limited agricultural alternatives
- By 2050 both population increase and ocean acidification are likely to put great stress on fishing in the tropics.
- Impacts of acidification on marine ecosystems
- The rising temperature of the oceans and its threat to coral ecosystems,
such as coral bleaching, loss in biodiversity and threats to local
communities.
- Conditions required by coral
- Sunlight - 25m or less water, so sunlight can reach them, as algae needs sunlight to survive
- Clean and clear water - Water that can allow light to pass through, so the algae can survive. Wastewater discharge can cause seaweeds to overgrow the reef
- Warm water - A mean of 26C
- Wave action - Well oxygenated water needed, so some wave action, but not enough for damage to the corals
- Salt water - Corals need saltwater to survive, requiring a balance of salt to water - don't exist where fresh water drains into ocean
- Threats to coral
- Rising sea levels - Less sunlight and warmth can reach the coral
- Intense storms - Increase wave energy, which could cause physical harm to the corals
- Ocean acidification - Reducing corals ability to build up carbonate structures
- Impacts of corals dying
- Coral bleaching - The algae dying from ocean acidification, and rising sea levels, cause the corals to lose their colour
- Loss of bio-diversity - Lots of marine life live off of corals, either eating the algae, or animals that live on the corals
- Loss of habitats - Marine life can't live on the coral if it dies out
- Local communities - Local communities make money off of reefs, either tours, or renting out scuba gear for tourists to visit them
- Conditions required by coral
- How acidification of oceans contributes to depleting fish stocks and has
resulting impacts for people.
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