Topic: Ocean's Wildlife Population down by half
By: World Wildlife Fund
Date: September 17, 2015
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/09/150917095044.htm
Date: September 17, 2015
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/09/150917095044.htm
Summary
A new WWF report reveals an alarming decline in marine biodiversity over the last few decades. According to WWF’s Living Blue Planet Report, populations of marine vertebrates have declined by 49% between 1970 and 2012, with some fish species declining by almost 75%. Mangroves and seagrasses in the coral reef are extremely important to the marine food chain and a beneficial source to human services. However, there are about over 25% marine species that live there and comparing to the human population of about 850 million, is incredibly unbalanced. People directly gain from economic, social, and cultural services from using the ocean. Without the existence of coral reefs left in the ocean, it can lead to terrifying consequences to the communities to both humanity and the ocean life.
The main factor that stimulates this steep declining trend is from mostly human activities, ranging from overfishing to habitat destruction. There is still hope in reviving and sustaining the ocean's population. It's critical to provide protection among marine life, improving fishing practices, and other ways that can reverse the trend. WWF has suggested that political leaders including the U.S should join in the cause because the time has come and an opportunity that cannot be missed out.
Reflection
I chose this because I love the beauty of the ocean. Not only that but when I came across this article and read the title, my mind came rushing and I was super-shocked. I could not believe that the ocean's living species has wiped out that much. When I kept scanning the article, I felt like it was just like The Lorax because our society today continues to drain the ocean rapidly than ever through selfish and non-selfish deeds. Fortunately, WWF has shown us the guidance to prevent this mayhem. The most interesting thing I like about this story is the phrase at the end which is very similar to Dr. Seuss's ideal. “The ocean is a renewable resource that can provide for all future generations if the pressures are dealt with effectively,” said Marco Lambertini, Director General of WWF International. “If we live within sustainable limits, the ocean will contribute to food security, livelihoods, economies and our natural systems."
A new WWF report reveals an alarming decline in marine biodiversity over the last few decades. According to WWF’s Living Blue Planet Report, populations of marine vertebrates have declined by 49% between 1970 and 2012, with some fish species declining by almost 75%. Mangroves and seagrasses in the coral reef are extremely important to the marine food chain and a beneficial source to human services. However, there are about over 25% marine species that live there and comparing to the human population of about 850 million, is incredibly unbalanced. People directly gain from economic, social, and cultural services from using the ocean. Without the existence of coral reefs left in the ocean, it can lead to terrifying consequences to the communities to both humanity and the ocean life.
The main factor that stimulates this steep declining trend is from mostly human activities, ranging from overfishing to habitat destruction. There is still hope in reviving and sustaining the ocean's population. It's critical to provide protection among marine life, improving fishing practices, and other ways that can reverse the trend. WWF has suggested that political leaders including the U.S should join in the cause because the time has come and an opportunity that cannot be missed out.
Reflection
I chose this because I love the beauty of the ocean. Not only that but when I came across this article and read the title, my mind came rushing and I was super-shocked. I could not believe that the ocean's living species has wiped out that much. When I kept scanning the article, I felt like it was just like The Lorax because our society today continues to drain the ocean rapidly than ever through selfish and non-selfish deeds. Fortunately, WWF has shown us the guidance to prevent this mayhem. The most interesting thing I like about this story is the phrase at the end which is very similar to Dr. Seuss's ideal. “The ocean is a renewable resource that can provide for all future generations if the pressures are dealt with effectively,” said Marco Lambertini, Director General of WWF International. “If we live within sustainable limits, the ocean will contribute to food security, livelihoods, economies and our natural systems."