Marine conservation facts for kids

Coral reefs have a great amount of biodiversity.

Marine conservation is all about protecting and taking care of the amazing plants and animals that live in our oceans and seas. It's like being a guardian for the underwater world! The goal is to make sure we don't use up too many of these important marine resources.

Scientists study marine plants and animals to understand how ocean ecosystems work. They also look at problems like species loss, damaged habitats, and changes in how ecosystems function. Marine conservation tries to stop human activities from harming the ocean. It also works to fix damaged areas and protect vulnerable species and ecosystems. This field is quite new, growing because of concerns about species going extinct and ocean habitats changing.

Marine conservationists use ideas from many sciences, like marine biology (the study of ocean life), Ecology (how living things interact with their environment), oceanography (the study of the ocean), and fisheries science (how to manage fishing). They also consider human factors like how much we need from the ocean, maritime law, money, and rules. All these things help them figure out the best ways to protect ocean life.

History of Ocean Protection

People started caring more about marine life after World War II. Books by Rachel Carson (from 1941-1955) really helped spark this interest. This time was even called the "marine revolution." The United States government began supporting marine conservation by creating protected areas.

In 1969, a wildlife refuge was named the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge. This showed how much Carson helped. This refuge protects different habitats like beaches, sand dunes, and salt marshes.

The modern science of marine conservation really began in the 1970s. New technologies, like computers, allowed for more undersea explorations. During these trips, scientists learned important things about how ocean ecosystems change. They discovered how everything in the ocean is connected.

This new understanding changed how marine conservation worked. There was a new focus on fixing damaged ocean systems and protecting all the different kinds of life. In 1972, the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act (MPRSA) was passed. This law allowed the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to control what was dumped in the seas. This act was a big step in bringing ocean issues to the forefront in the United States.

In 2009, Sylvia Earle, a famous ocean explorer, started Mission Blue. This group aims to create marine protected areas around the world. These special areas are called "Hope Spots." Many organizations support Mission Blue, from large global companies to small research teams.

That same year, Sylvia Earle wrote a book called 'The World is Blue.' It talked about how fast the ocean is changing and how this threatens all life on Earth. Sylvia Earle's work was also inspired by Rachel Carson.

In 2010, many scientists, business leaders, and famous people supported Mission Blue. The next year, Gigi Brisson started a group called Ocean Elders. Their goal is to bring together scientists, governments, and entertainment leaders to protect the ocean.

People Who Made a Difference

Rachel Carson: A marine biologist, writer, and environmental activist.
Jacques Cousteau: An explorer, conservationist, researcher, and author.
Sylvia Earle: A marine biologist, explorer, and author.
Steve Irwin: A naturalist, conservationist, zoologist, and TV personality.

How Humans Affect Ocean Ecosystems

Oil spills have a big impact on the ocean, like this image of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

As more people live on Earth, our actions have a bigger impact on ecosystems. Human activities have caused many species to disappear faster than usual. This means there's less variety of plants and animals in our environment.

Some of these impacts include:

Overfishing: Catching too many fish, which harms coral reefs.
Tourism: More tourists can put pressure on marine environments.
Pollution: For example, too much CO₂ (carbon dioxide) from human activities. Oceans absorb about one-third of the CO₂ we produce. This changes the ocean's chemistry, making it more acidic. This is called ocean acidification.
Oil spills: These accidents release oil into the ocean, causing marine pollution. The effects of oil on marine fish can be very serious.
Shipping: Ships can accidentally bring new species to different parts of the world. Some of these new species can take over and harm the local ecosystem. Ships can also hit and kill whales.

Coral Reefs

A NOAA diver checking on corals that have lost their color.

Coral reefs are like busy underwater cities, full of different kinds of life. They are super important for the survival of entire ecosystems. Reefs give many marine animals food, protection, and shelter.

Coral reefs also help humans. They provide food like fish and mollusks. They are also great places for ecotourism, which helps local economies. Scientists are even studying corals for new medicines.

Sadly, human actions are damaging coral reefs. The biggest threats are overfishing, harmful fishing methods, and pollution from land. Also, more carbon in the oceans, coral bleaching, and diseases mean that no reefs are perfectly healthy anymore. Up to 88% of coral reefs in Southeast Asia are now threatened. This directly affects the many species that depend on them.

This is especially bad for island nations like Samoa and the Philippines. Many people there rely on coral reefs for food and to make a living. But with fewer fish, some fishermen use harmful methods like cyanide and dynamite for fishing. This makes the problem worse. One way to help is to teach local communities why protecting coral reefs is so important.

Overfishing

A Japanese patrol boat stopping Illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing (IUU).

Overfishing is a major reason why ocean wildlife populations have decreased. The United Nations reported that the percentage of fish stocks that are healthy has dropped. It went from 90% in 1974 to 65.8% in 2017. Catching too many fish harms the ocean and threatens the lives of billions of people. Many people depend on fish for food or income.

The World Wildlife Fund says that illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing (IUU) is a big part of overfishing. IUU fishing is estimated to make up to 30% of the catch for some valuable fish. This illegal industry is worth billions of dollars each year.

Overabundance of Species

Overabundance happens when a species' population grows too large. This can happen if there are no natural ways to control it. When one species takes over, it can upset the balance of an ecosystem. This can lead to other species dying off and the habitat being damaged. Overabundance often happens with invasive species.

Introduced Species

International shipping has accidentally moved many marine species to new places. Some of these new species can cause problems. For example, the North Pacific seastar was brought to Tasmania, Australia. Organisms can be moved by ships' hulls, by dumping ballast water, or by releasing water from home aquariums. A single tank of ballast water can contain about 3,000 non-native species. Once a new organism settles in an ecosystem, it's very hard to get rid of it.

The San Francisco Bay in the US has been greatly affected by foreign and invasive species. According to the Baykeeper organization, 97% of the organisms in the bay have been harmed by 240 invasive species. Invasive species like the Asian clam have changed the food web. They have reduced the number of native species like plankton. Asian clams also clog pipes and block water flow in power plants. Their presence in San Francisco Bay has cost the United States about one billion dollars in damages.

Endangered Ocean Animals

Marine Mammals

Whales were almost extinct until new laws were put in place.

Baleen whales were hunted a lot from the 1600s to the mid-1900s. They were almost extinct when a global ban on commercial whaling started in 1986. This ban was put in place by the IWC. The Atlantic gray whale, last seen in 1740, is now extinct because of whaling.

Since the 1960s, the number of monk seals has been falling fast. The Hawaiian and Mediterranean monk seals are among the most endangered marine mammals. The Caribbean monk seal was last seen in 1952 and is now confirmed extinct. The vaquita porpoise, discovered in 1958, is the most endangered marine species. More than half of its population disappeared since 2012. The vaquita often drowns in illegal fishing nets in marine protected areas in the Gulf of Mexico.

Sea Turtles

In 2004, a group called the Marine Turtle Specialist Group (MTSG) found that green turtles were endangered worldwide. Data showed that over the last 100–150 years, the number of mature female green turtles nesting has dropped by 48–65%.

The Kemp's ridley sea turtle population also fell sharply in 1947. At that time, 33,000 nests were collected and sold by villagers in Mexico. This was 80% of the population. By the early 1960s, only 5,000 individuals were left. In 2015, the World Wildlife Fund and National Geographic Magazine called the Kemp's ridley the most endangered sea turtle in the world.

Fish

The critically endangered European eel impacts other animals like this Grey Heron that also eats eels.

In 2014, the IUCN changed the Pacific bluefin tuna's status from "least concerned" to "vulnerable." This tuna is mainly caught for sushi. A 2013 report showed that the Pacific bluefin tuna population dropped by 96% in the Pacific Ocean. Also, 90% of the Pacific bluefin tuna caught are young fish that haven't had a chance to reproduce yet.

Between 2011 and 2014, the European eel, Japanese eel, and American eel were added to the IUCN red list of endangered species. In 2015, the Environmental Agency found that the number of European eels has fallen by 95% since 1990. An officer named Andy Don said, "There is no doubt that there is a crisis."

Marine Plants

Johnson's seagrass is a food source for the endangered green sea turtle. This seagrass reproduces asexually, which means it's harder for it to grow and spread. This seagrass was once the only marine plant listed as endangered. In 1998, it was protected. However, it's now known to be a clone of a common plant called Halophila ovalis, so its protection was removed.

Data on this plant is limited, but its numbers have dropped by 50% since the 1970s. Many things cause this decline. These include poor water quality, careless boating, and anchoring. Also, hurricanes caused by climate change increase the risk of its extinction.

Ways to Protect the Ocean

A protected sea turtle area in Miami, Florida, with signs warning of fines.

Marine conservation uses different strategies. These combine scientific knowledge with practical actions. One key strategy is setting up marine protected areas (MPAs). These are special areas where human activities are limited to protect the ocean. MPAs can have seasonal closures or permanent closures. They can also have different zones for different activities, like no-fishing zones or areas for boating.

Other methods include developing sustainable fisheries. This means fishing in a way that doesn't harm fish populations for the future. Conservationists also work to restore endangered species using artificial methods.

Another focus is on stopping human activities that harm marine ecosystems. This is done through rules, like fishing quotas (limits on how many fish can be caught). Laws, like those listed below, also help. It's important to understand the economic side of how humans use the ocean. Educating the public about conservation issues is also key. This includes teaching tourists about local rules for marine habitats. For example, the Green Fins project in Southeast Asia teaches scuba diving operators to educate their students. They encourage divers to explore in a way that doesn't damage coral reefs.

Scientists divide the conservation process into several parts. For example, when studying animals, they use techniques for capturing and marking them. Recently, new methods include remote sensing to study how coastal ecosystems are affected by river plumes.

Many social science methods are also used. Researchers have found that social events can help marine conservation. They encourage sustainable tourism to raise public awareness. They also suggest combining traditional ways of managing resources with modern conservation efforts. This can help avoid conflicts. Zoning protected areas helps group similar activities together and separate harmful ones. Common ways to get the public's attention include teaching about the carbon footprint. They also encourage people to make sustainable food choices and use less plastic.

Technology for Ocean Protection

Technology like this turtle excluder device (TED) helps loggerhead sea turtles escape fishing nets.

Marine conservation technologies help protect endangered marine animals and their habitats. These technologies are new and important. They reduce the number of unwanted animals caught by accident (called by-catch). They also improve the health of marine life and habitats. Plus, they can help fishermen who depend on these resources.

Examples of these technologies include:

Marine protected areas (MPAs)
Turtle excluder devices (TEDs)
Autonomous recording units
Pop-up satellite archival tags (PSATs)
Radio-frequency identification (RFID)

It's important that these technologies are practical for commercial use. This means they need to work for fishermen while also protecting marine life.

PSATs are very important in marine conservation. They allow marine biologists to study animals in their natural environments. These tags track the movements of large, migratory marine animals. A PSAT collects data and then sends it to a satellite. This means scientists don't have to get the tag back to get the information. These tags have been used to track ocean sunfish, marlin, blue sharks, bluefin tuna, swordfish, and sea turtles. The data helps answer questions about where animals travel, where they feed, their daily habits, and if they survive after being caught and released.

Turtle excluder devices (TEDs) remove a big threat to sea turtles. Many sea turtles are accidentally caught, hurt, or killed by fishing gear. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) worked with the shrimp fishing industry to create TEDs. They made sure the devices would work for fishermen. A TED is a set of bars placed in a trawl net. It acts like a filter, letting only small animals like shrimp pass through. Larger animals, like sea turtles, are kept out of the net.

Similarly, "halfway technologies" also help increase marine animal populations. However, they don't change human behavior. They address the symptoms of decline but not the cause. Examples include hatcheries (places where fish are bred) and fish ladders (structures that help fish swim past dams).

Laws and Treaties for Ocean Protection

Marine protected areas are one type of law that helps ocean ecosystems thrive.

Many international laws and treaties help protect the ocean. One example is the 1966 Convention on Fishing and Conservation of Living Resources of the High Seas. In the United States, laws include the 1972 Marine Mammal Protection Act. Also, the 1972 Marine Protection, Research and Sanctuaries Act created the National Marine Sanctuaries program.

In 2010, the Scottish Parliament passed new laws to protect marine life. These laws cover marine planning, licensing, conservation, and protecting seals.

Since 2006, the United Nations has used the "vulnerable marine ecosystem" idea. This helps manage deep-sea fishing in areas beyond national control.

The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea sets rules for how all ocean resources are used. It creates a complete system of law and order for the world's oceans. This convention was opened for signing in 1982. More than 150 nations participated. It introduced new legal ideas and combined old rules for ocean use into one document. The convention also set up a framework for studying specific parts of maritime law. It came into effect in 1994. Today, it's the main system for solving all issues related to the law of the sea. It covers everything from ocean boundaries to environmental control and marine research.

The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) works to protect oceans and seas. It encourages smart use of marine resources, especially through its Regional Seas Program. UNEP also created the Global Programme of Action for the Protection of the Marine Environment from Land-based Activities. This is the only international tool that directly addresses the link between land, freshwater, coastal, and marine ecosystems.

Through the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission, UNESCO organizes programs in marine research, observation systems, and managing ocean ecosystems. UNESCO also created the Convention on the protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage.

In 1998, environmental ministers from 15 Northeast Atlantic states agreed to identify marine species and habitats that need protection. They also agreed to create a network of marine protected areas.

In June 2023, the High Seas Treaty was adopted by the UN. This treaty aims to better protect marine environments in international waters. It needs to be approved by at least 60 countries to become law.

Global Goals for the Ocean

Marine conservation is part of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It's mainly covered in SDG 14, which is called "Life below water." One goal of SDG 14 was to protect at least 10% of coastal and marine areas by 2020. This goal is measured by how much of the ocean is covered by protected areas. These "Marine Protected Areas" include marine reserves, no-take zones, and marine parks. Each area has different levels of protection and allowed activities.

Organizations Protecting the Ocean

The Ocean Cleanup is one of many groups working on marine conservation. This interceptor vessel stops plastic from entering the ocean.

Ocean Conservation Namibia rescuing a seal caught in discarded fishing nets.

Many marine conservation non-governmental organizations (NGOs) around the world work to protect the ocean. They fund conservation efforts, educate people, and push for new laws.

Some examples of these organizations include:

Ocean Wise (Canada)
Oceana
Blue Ventures
Marine Conservation Society (United Kingdom)
Fauna and Flora International
Marine Conservation Institute (United States)
Blue Frontier Campaign (United States)
Sea Shepherd Conservation Society (international)
Mission Blue, which leads the Hope Spots project
The Ocean Cleanup
Ocean Conservation Namibia

On a regional level, PERSGA is an organization for protecting the environment of the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. Its member states include Djibouti, Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen.

Important Campaigns

Marine conservation groups have launched many campaigns to raise awareness. Some campaigns directly involve people in conservation efforts. Others encourage donations to support lobbying for new laws.

Ocean Conservancy and its International Coastal Cleanup is an example of a public campaign. Every year, Ocean Conservancy encourages communities to volunteer and collect trash from coastlines worldwide. This campaign started small and now reaches over 100 countries.

Oceana is a group that lobbies for ocean protection. They encourage donations to help pass laws and protect ocean rules. Oceana is currently working to stop the expansion of offshore drilling. They are also involved in bills about shark fin protection in the US Congress.

Greenpeace is another non-profit organization that campaigns for a healthier environment. While they work on many topics, they focus on plastic pollution, sustainable seafood, and protecting the Arctic. Their website provides information on how people can get involved.

Events and Initiatives

Many events and initiatives help spread the message about ocean conservation.

Events

Conference events, like those hosted by the United Nations, bring people together for awareness and action.

International Ocean Film Festival

This film festival, also known as the IOFF, is a four-day event. It features over 50 films about ocean life around the world. The festival aims to teach viewers about environmental issues harming the ocean. Films also show possible solutions to protect the ocean.

Rising Tide Summit

This summit is led by the Boardriders Foundation and others. It's an interactive event with speakers and a Q&A session. Companies and individuals can also join workshops to learn about the benefits of a "blue economy." This event focuses on the California population.

Initiatives

SaveOurOceans is a social media campaign. It brings together NGOs and social media platforms like TikTok. TikTok partnered with Conservation International to protect marine life. This campaign reached a global audience through influencers. TikTok promised to donate $2 for every video uploaded with the hashtag, up to $100,000. This money goes towards protecting oceans by reducing plastic waste.

SuitUpToCleanUp is another social media campaign. Launched in 2018 by Ocean Conservancy, it encouraged people to clean up pollution in their local waterways. The campaign happened around Ocean Conservancy's 33rd Annual International Coastal Cleanup (ICC). People shared their unique cleanup stories using the hashtag.

The Clean Oceans Initiative aims to increase its funding to €4 billion by the end of 2025. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) joined this initiative in 2022. As of June 2023, the initiative has provided over €2.7 billion for 63 projects. These projects are expected to help 20 million people or more. Projects include better wastewater treatment in Sri Lanka and Egypt, and solid waste management in Togo.