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| Great White Shark |
Photo: J Stafford-Deitsh/WWF UK
A number of human impacts threaten the wellbeing of the oceans and marine life. Pollution is a threat to marine life and mismanagement of fisheries has led to severe depletion of fish stocks in some part of the world, while coastal development disrupts habitats and wildlife.
Another threat is the possible problems caused by climate change.
By taking an ecosystem approach i.e. one that considers the importance and interrelationship of oceanic process and wildlife, and the repercussions that a range of human activities have on our oceans, it will be possible to promote the sustainable use of our oceans.
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| A dead seagull covered with oil, found on the Devon coast |
Photo: Charles Hoodl/WWF UK
Litter, sewage, run-off of nutrients from agriculture and mariculture practices, and oil resulting from extraction processes and shipping incidents pose a threat to marine wildlife. In addition, persistent toxic chemicals from industrial processes can accumulate in wildlife. In particular, top predators are at risk as many of theses chemicals are known to increase, or bioaccumulate, up the foodchain.
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| Freshly caught fish. |
Photo: Jim Holmes/Oxfam
Over-exploitation of fish stocks has left many of the world’s fisheries severely depleted. In particular, the demise of inshore fisheries has led to declines in coastal fishing communities.
Further, fishing activities result in the death of thousands of marine animals. For example dolphins and turtles caught in nets, and birds, such as albatross, caught on long lines of baited hooks.
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| Polluted water in a harbour on the Wadden Sea, off Germany. |
Photo: Mauri Rautkari/WWF UK
Development for industry, aquaculture, ports, coastal defences and tourism can result in losses of important wildlife habitats such as wetlands.
By taking an ecosystem approach, i.e. one that considers the importance and interrelationship of oceanic process and wildlife, and the repercussions that a range of human activities have on our oceans, it will be possible to promote the sustainable use of our oceans.
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| Humpback whale breaching in the seas off South-East Alaska. Though huge, these whales rely on Krill, a form of plankton, to survive. |
Photo: P Coppi/WWF UK
A number of impacts are likely to result from climate change, including rising sea levels, increased storminess, changes to oceanic currents, and an increase in sea temperature affecting the types of plants and animals found in a specific region. In particular, changes to plankton species, their abundance and distribution are extremely worrying as they form the fundamental basis of the marine food chain.