Oceanic decline is a result of human pollution, overfishing & climate change

Recent years have borne witness to a stark reality unfolding in our oceans but the narrative of environmental degradation spurred by human activities has failed to become an important part of America’s political discourse.

From plastic pollution to overfishing and the compounding effects of climate change, marine ecosystems are confronting unprecedented challenges that threaten their very existence.

Scientists and environmental experts, devoid of sensationalism, have been urging immediate action to stave off irreversible consequences.

“We cannot afford complacency,” said New Jersey environmental activist Lisa McCormick. “The oceans are integral to our planet’s ecosystem, and their preservation is fundamental to human well-being. We must decisively act to reverse the damage if we want to ensure a sustainable future for our children.”

One of the most visible manifestations of this crisis is plastic pollution.

Annually, millions of tons of plastic waste infiltrate the oceans, wreaking havoc on marine life such as turtles, seabirds, and fish. Microplastics, minuscule yet insidious, pervade even the remotest oceanic realms, posing a dire threat to marine ecosystems and the food chain.

“Plastic pollution constitutes a planetary crisis with impacts on ecosystems, biodiversity, the climate, and human health. Without effective control measures, production is likely to double in 20 years as plastic waste leaking into the ocean is projected to triple by 2040,” said McCormick. “This is an unacceptable burden to place on future generations, so we need to address the sources of plastic pollution and safeguard our planet. We must end plastic pollution by holding producers accountable for their crimes.”

Climate change compounds these issues, amplifying existing threats through rising sea temperatures, ocean acidification, and extreme weather events.

Coral reefs, recognized as the “rainforests of the sea,” are particularly vulnerable, facing bleaching events and habitat destruction due to warming waters and pollution.

“Covering 70% of Earth’s surface, oceans absorbed 90% of global warming, effects of which include sea level rise due to thermal expansion, coral bleaching, accelerated melting of Earth’s major ice sheets, intensified hurricanes plus changes in ocean health & biochemistry,” said McCormick.

A report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) underscores the gravity of the situation, highlighting accelerated sea-level rise and its menacing implications for coastal communities and ecosystems.

“Global oceans rose about three-tenths of an inch from about 3 trillion tons of Antarctica ice melting since 1992,” said McCormick. “Coral reefs around the world have died from high ocean temperatures that lingered for an unprecedented three years.”

Human activities, notably overfishing, stand as major contributors to this crisis. Industrial fishing practices have depleted fish populations alarmingly, with a recent study revealing that our oceans now harbor a mere 10% of the large predators that once roamed the seas in the 1950s. This decline disrupts entire marine food chains, posing a threat to the health of marine environments.

Pollution, particularly plastic debris, entangles wildlife and infiltrates the food chain, with projections suggesting oceans could hold more plastic than fish by 2050.

Additionally, chemical runoff and raw sewage further pollute coastal waters, leading to oxygen-deprived dead zones.

The long-term menace of climate change compounds these threats, as oceans absorb a significant portion of human-emitted carbon dioxide, leading to acidification that harms shellfish, coral reefs, and calcium carbonate-dependent organisms. Rising sea temperatures disrupt migration patterns and threaten heat-sensitive species.

The repercussions of a deteriorating ocean extend far and wide. Beyond ecological concerns, healthy oceans are crucial for food security, climate regulation, and coastal economies. A degraded marine environment could precipitate food shortages, disrupt weather patterns, and devastate coastal communities.

Amid these stark realities, experts and activists converge on a consensus: immediate and concerted action is imperative. Strategies include reducing plastic waste, adopting sustainable fishing practices, safeguarding marine habitats, and mitigating climate change impacts through global cooperation and policy measures.

Individual efforts also hold significance, with choices such as supporting sustainable fisheries and reducing single-use plastics contributing to the broader goal of ocean conservation.

In a recent revelation, research by Dr. Angus Atkinson of the Plymouth Marine Laboratory and Dr. Axel Rossberg of Queen Mary University of London illuminates a hidden vulnerability in oceanic ecosystems.

Their study reveals that climate change is stealthily undermining the ocean’s capacity to sustain plankton, resulting in rapid declines in fish populations—a crucial finding that underscores the urgency of integrating climate considerations into fisheries management.

The study calls for a deeper understanding of oceanic food webs, highlighting the importance of phytoplankton and advocating for climate-smart ocean protection strategies.

In conclusion, a dispassionate analysis of human-induced oceanic decline underscores the need for immediate action and innovative strategies to safeguard our oceans and marine life for future generations.