5 Biggest threats faced by our oceans and how to fix them

Man has consistently exploited the gifts of nature of which our Oceans are the most severely impacted. Sources suggest that around 220 tons of plastic are produced each year, of which most of them are transformed into marine debris in the Oceans. But that is not all. Every year, Oceans are warming up more than ever, leading to the death of several marine animals one by one. The list could go on, but the question is, what can be done to fix it? 

In this blog, we will discuss the biggest challenges faced by our Oceans and the measures we can take to prevent them. 

Overfishing 

In many regions, overfishing has significantly wiped out several marine species and left others vulnerable to extinction. This poses a massive threat to the entire marine ecosystem, where the food for other species is also being hampered. As a result, eventual deaths are becoming inevitable. Sources suggest that nearly 90% of fish stocks of large predatory fishes are already extinct due to overfishing.

If fishers limit their catch and ban those fish species that are vulnerable to extinction, overfishing can be prevented severely. Conservation of the endemic species and protecting the marine ecosystem could be a highly contributing factor.

Whaling and shark finning 

Over the years, the consistent growth in whaling and shark finning has also increased the potent threats to Ocean life. Sources suggest that we kill around 100 million sharks each year. With such extensive statistics, it is natural that we will not see a single shark in the Ocean after a few years or so. Due to consistent shark finning, these animals are left to bleed in the sea, and eventually, death greets them. But the problem is that sharks are very slow in reproduction and the delicate ecosystem is worsening matters for them. 

That is why it is highly significant for whaling and shark finning to reach a decline. Spreading awareness upon this matter could also help save their life considerably. 

Plastic pollution

Oceans have become one of the most extensive dumping grounds for man today. Around  60 to 80% of marine debris contains plastic. Sadly, the statistics are consistently increasing, leading to more problems than ever. As the oceans are being contaminated with plastic, marine animals who swallow it die instantly. This is another massive reason for the declining ecosystem of the oceans. So, there is an unending need to stop plastic pollution around oceans by banning these areas from such unethical practices forever. Plastic should be recycled and reused, and the production of unrecyclable plastics should be prohibited right away. 

Mercury pollution 

The harmful mercury emissions coming from industrial sights straight into the oceans are causing severe damage to the purity of the oceans. But that is not all. It is severely affecting the marine animals who are consuming mercury and suffering every day. Emissions from the coal power plants are most responsible for this act that is killing the purity of oceans every day. That is why there is a growing need to fight off this problem by reducing these emissions into the Ocean and cleaning these areas properly. Proper treatment of mercury-related waste can also reduce such issues to a drastic extent in the long run. 

Ocean warming 

We all know that 70% of our planet is covered in oceans. But due to the consistent rise in global warming, Oceans are heating up faster than ever. That is why storms are becoming more common in every region of the world. Eventually, marine animals and their ecosystem are consistently in danger. Moreover, as the oceans are warming up, the ice on land is melting, leading the world into a severe disaster shortly. That is why it is significant to stop ocean warming by taking the proper measures. The world has to unite to limit greenhouse gas emissions, strengthen scientific research and protect marine life. 

The bottom line 

Our Oceans are in significant danger today. But more importantly, it is the innocent marine life and their ecosystems that are suffering for no reason at all. By taking responsible measures, we can eradicate this problem once and for all. So, why not?