marine media and public

Question 1

intro

Answer 1

humans are both directly and indirectly causing habitat destruction and many conflicts are arising from the issues of pollution, fishing, marine climate change and habitat destruction

Question 2

habitat loss

Answer 2

ocean warming and ocean acidification are the main drivers of these conflicts, having drastic impacts on marine species and habitats. For example changing marine conditions has resulted in seagrass disappearing at an alarming rate of 110km2 yr-1 since 1980 (waycott et al, 2009), this is particularly concerning given that they account for 10-18% of total carbon storage (wwf, 2023). these losses can be both direct or indirect impacts of humans such as from pollution.

Answer 3

habitat loss is responsible for the loss of marine diversity; between 1970 and 2008 the marine living index saw a decline of 22% which was the result of a 62% decline in tropical marine habitats. whereas in the northern hemisphere fishing actions and policies are having a positive effect with a 53% increase in temperate marine habitats (graph, WWF, 2012)- this may reflect different management intensities.

Question 4

importance of marine conservation

Answer 4

marine conservation is particularly important as fisheries are an important source of protein and employment to people. conservation efforts are hindered by conflicts between public interest, media interests and conservationists. For example coastal development, marine tourism, cruise tourism are all presenting conflicts to conservation. trust and communication between all parties is vital for the success of conservation.