More and more of us inhabit this already very damaged planet. The resources that we previously had are slowly running out. The Earth simply cannot give more of itself. And this is something that we see every day: the global average temperature increases, the poles melt causing the rise in sea level, meteorological phenomena become more and more extreme,… among many other events that we are telling you on the blog.
In the tropics and at the poles they have two serious problems: one is global warming, and the other is overfishing.Marine life in both regions is threatened, and it's crucial to understand how these issues relate. To learn more about this, you can read more about the sea sleeves.
A study conducted by researchers from Spain, Australia and New Zealand, which has been published in the journal Science Advances, confirms this. 2016 was the hottest year on record, and most of that heat was absorbed by the oceans. Given the situation, marine animals are having a hard time getting ahead. In addition, climate change has led to the oceans warming more rapidly, which can be seen in studies on ocean warming.
For the first time, research has used satellite imagery to consider rising ocean temperatures, changes in ocean currents, and marine productivity levels over the past three decades. This has allowed scientists to correlate this data with the biological diversity of the affected areas. ocean currents They play a crucial role in this analysis and their study is essential to better understand the threats to marine life.
Researchers can determine which areas with the greatest marine biodiversity are among those most affected by global warming., which are closest to the tropics and the poles, such as the east coast of the United States and Canada, the equator, the North Sea, or the southeast of Australia and New Zealand. It is essential to continue researching the ocean currents of the continents to better understand these changes.
By comparing the study's data with information on fishing activity over the past 60 years, they found that the areas with the greatest marine biodiversity are also those most affected by overfishing. For this reason, the impacts of industrial fishing and climate must be considered "simultaneously for the conservation" of these areas, according to Francisco Ramírez, a researcher at the Doñana Biological Station (EBD-CSIC), who added that "It is not about ending the fishing activity but about implementing conservation policies«.
You can read the study here (In English).
Global warming and its impact on the oceans
Global warming has led to the oceans absorbing the most of the extra heat generated by greenhouse gas emissionsThis has led to a series of devastating changes in marine ecosystems. For example, warming waters directly affect marine life, altering ocean currents and the reproductive patterns of many species, which is related to the increase in sea storms.
In addition, ocean acidification, which results from the absorption of carbon dioxide, is damaging coral reefs, which are essential for many fish species. These reefs act as nurseries, providing a safe habitat for young fish. However, as water temperatures rise and oceans acidify, these vital ecosystems are in serious danger. This has been especially evident in studies on coral reefs, who face multiple threats to their existence.
An estimated 30% of the world's coral reefs are in immediate danger due to the combination of global warming and overfishing. This not only has an ecological impact, but also an economic one, as Many communities depend on fishing and tourism associated with these ecosystems. Losses from these ecosystems are also a factor to consider in this context.
Overfishing: An imminent threat to marine life
Overfishing is another of the main threats for the world's oceans. This practice, which refers to catching fish at a rate greater than they can reproduce, has led to the drastic decline in many marine species. According to Census of Marine LifeIn the world, it is estimated that 90% of large fish have disappeared from the oceans due to overfishing. Ocean currents, which are affected by this phenomenon, are crucial to the balance of the ecosystem, as mentioned in related studies.
Fishing methods, such as bottom trawling, have exacerbated this crisis. This method, which involves dragging heavy nets along the ocean floor, not only catches fish, but destroys marine habitats and generates a high percentage of bycatch, meaning that unwanted species are caught and often discarded dead. destruction of coral reefs is evidence of this negative impact.
Vulnerable marine areas and their conservation
The study led by Francisco Ramírez identified six vulnerable areas globally that are priorities for conservation. These areas include:
- The North Sea between Europe and America.
- The east coast of the United States and Canada.
- The equator area, especially in Peru.
- Southeastern Australia and New Zealand.
It is crucial to implement conservation policies that protect marine species and their habitats. This could include the creation of marine protected areas where fishing is restricted or prohibited. Furthermore, it is essential to involve local communities in the sustainable management of marine resources and encourage responsible fishing practices, as mentioned in the analysis. An example to learn more about this is seabirds, which play a vital role in the health of marine ecosystems.
Seabirds and Arctic Warming
The warming of the Arctic also represents a critical challenge. Seabirds nesting in this region are seeing their migration routes and food sources affected. Furthermore, many seabird species are important indicators of the health of the overall marine ecosystem, meaning their decline could signal broader problems in the maritime environment. Research on Arctic Ocean acidification It also highlights the seriousness of the situation.
It is essential to continue monitoring these populations and take steps to protect the habitats they need to survive. These actions not only benefit the birds, but also help preserve The Biodiversity and the overall health of the oceans.
The importance of sustainable management
Sustainable fisheries management is essential to ensuring that the oceans remain healthy and productive for future generations. This involves implementing science-based catch quotas, as well as fishing practices that minimize environmental impact. Establishing less destructive fishing methods is crucial for the health of marine life, as discussed in relation to .
Sustainable fishing certifications, such as those offered by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) can help consumers make informed decisions about the products they buy. By choosing certified fish and seafood, you support fisheries that meet high sustainability standards. sustainability of our oceans is a critical issue for the future.
Furthermore, it is vital that governments and international organizations work together to address the problem of overfishing and climate change in a global context. This includes creating agreements that limit destructive fishing practices and promote the conservation of marine ecosystems, a relevant topic for understanding the impacts of climate change in Europe.
Future challenges
As global warming continues to advance and the world's population continues to grow, the challenges facing marine life will become even more complex. The intersection of climate change, overfishing, and other stressors, such as pollution and acidification, threaten to destabilize marine ecosystems. Both the fishery as environmental management must be reviewed to ensure the health of our oceans.
Therefore, it is essential that bold and decisive action be taken to comprehensively address these problems. This includes promoting scientific research, environmental education, and actively engaging communities in marine life conservation.
The health of our oceans is critical not only for the species that live there, but also for human well-being. As we protect and restore marine ecosystems, we are also investing in our own future and in the health of the planet.