Marine Habitat: How Are They? and What can we do?

Marine Habitats

The earth is a dwelling place for all living things in this world, we must remember that living things in this world are not only humans but animals and plants are living things that also live in the world as humans do. The earth is a home for all living things, humans live in their homes as a shelter, as well as plants and animals live on earth as their dwellings, while sea animals are living creatures that live in the sea or commonly referred to as Marine Habitats. Humans, animals and plants are living things that need each other, animals and plants for humans are two things that are very important for the sustainability of human life. Humans use plants such as rice which is the staple food of people in Indonesia and land and sea animals such as chickens and fish that become delicious food to meet the needs of human life.

How are they?

Based on research by One World One Ocean which proclaimed 4 points in The Ocean is Earth's Life Support, it was found that 1) 50-70% oxygen comes from the sea, the figure exceeds all of the world's newest rainforests combined, 2) The sea is a source of protein for more than a billion people on earth, 3) The ocean regulates our climate, absorbs carbon dioxide, holds 97% of Earth's water, and supports the greatest abundance of life on our planet, and 4) More than 60% of humans live near the sea where marine habitats are a livelihood for them.

In essence, the ocean and its habitats are something that is very important for the sustainability of human life on this earth. But seeing the facts that are happening now, our seas are in trouble. Recorded in One World One Ocean: 90% of large fish have become extinct, large size fish have shrunk in the last 50 years, dump plastic waste into the ocean which is toxic "plastic soup" eaten by marine habitats, 405 oceans are in "dead zones" where oxygen is running out due to fertilizer runoff and nitrogen pollution, and 71% of the earth's surface is ocean but less than 2% is protected.

Look at the facts that occur with the sea on earth, the sea is in a critical state that needs immediate help, but let's imagine if this situation is left without doing anything. Let us wonder what will happen? One World One Ocean has also explained this clearly. First, imagine that the delicious fish rich in protein that we consume now disappear in the next 40 years due to current fishing practices. Second, imagine if only jellyfish are the only choice of wild seafood, and do not need to imagine anymore, look at the ocean which is now at a critical point where our actions in the next 10 years determine what will happen with the ocean 10,000 years in the future said an Oceanographer, Sylvia Earle.

So, what can we do?

Here 5 solutions from marinebio.org, The Marine Bio Conservation Society has been a nonprofit volunteer marine conservation and science education group working online together to educate the world about ocean life, marine biology, marine conservation, and a sea ethic since 1998.

1.    Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)

Building MPAs in managing such as sanctuaries, fisheries management areas, state conservation areas, and wildlife refuges established to protect habitats, endangered species, and to restore the health of marine ecosystems in areas jeopardized by habitat and species loss.

2.    Marine reserves

Marine reserves actually more effective than MPAs, but unfortunately just a few countries that have this marine reserves for instance New Zealand, this sites provide a higher degree of ecosystem protection by prohibiting fishing, mineral extraction, and other habitat-altering activities.

3.    Land use and development regulation

Policy makers need to know the impact of land use and management in coastel areas that effect marine habitats through accessible and evidence-based information.

4.    Monitoring and reporting

Empowering the citizens in monitoring water quality in their coastal areas through sampling and testing, taking pictures in contaminated areas then report it to the local policy for action.

5.    Zoning

Through cooperation among local, state, and national governments, land use and development management, zoning coastal areas into MPAs, Marine Reserves, approved fishing areas, with varying levels of use has the potential to slow some of the habitat degradation caused by development may provide solutions to all stakeholders from tourists, to the fishing industry, to conservation efforts, etc.

Sources:

http://www.oneworldoneocean.com/pages/why-the-ocean

https://marinebio.org/conservation/marine-conservation-biology/biodiversity/habitat-conservation/

https://slideplayer.com/slide/10288659/

http://www.cleanatlantic.eu/anchovies-eat-plastic-because-it-smells-like-prey/