The updated study of marine mammals, birds, reptiles and fish shows that
populations have been reduced on average by half globally in the last
four decades, with some fish declining by close to 75 percent. The
latest findings spell trouble for all nations, especially people in the
developing world. Adding to the crisis of falling fish populations, the report shows steep
declines in coral reefs, mangroves and sea grasses that support fish
species and provide valuable services to people. Over one-third of fish
tracked by the report rely on coral reefs, and these species show a
dangerous decline of 34 per cent between 1979 and 2010.
Research shows that coral reefs could be lost across the globe by 2050
as a result of climate change. With over 25 per cent of all marine
species living in coral reefs and about 850 million people directly
benefiting from their economic, social and cultural services, the loss
of coral reefs would be a catastrophic extinction with dramatic
consequences on communities.While over-exploitation is identified as the major threat to ocean
biodiversity, the study finds that climate change is causing the ocean
to change more rapidly than at any other point in millions of years.
Rising temperatures and increasing acidity levels caused by carbon
dioxide aggravate the negative impacts of overfishing and other major
threats including habitat degradation and pollution.
I think, human activity has severely damaged the ocean by catching fish faster
than they can reproduce while also destroying their nurseries. Profound
changes are needed to ensure abundant ocean life for future
generations. Those billions of animals have been lost from the world’s oceans and this is a terrible also dangerous legacy to leave to our
grandchildren in the future. In my opinion, animal, plant and marine biodiversity keeps ecosystems functional.
Healthy ecosystems allow us to survive, get enough food to eat and make a
living. That is why we have to keep our environment.
