8/12/2019 6 - Oceans on the Edge

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Dynamic Planet - Oceans on the Edge - 6

Oceans on the Edge

How and why are some eco-systems threatened with destruction?

The worlds ocean eco-systems are under threat. Over fishing, pollution, sea levelchanges are threatening their fragile eco-systems. The worlds ocean ecosystemsinclude: Coral eefs, !angrove "wamps and Continental "helves.

What are the threats to coral reefs?

#ressure from coralreef e$ploitation

#ressure frompopulation growth

#ressure from glo%alwarming

Over fishing of reefs and

lagoons has effected theeco-system and food chain ofcoral reefs

Cutting down forests near

the coast for farm landincreases fresh water andsediment washing intocoral reefs.

& faster rate of rise in sea

levels will effect theformation of coral reefs, asthey are found in shallowseas

emoval of %each materialand coral for %uilding

'ncreased (uantitiesfertilisers on farm landcause eutrophication

&n increasing li)elihood oftropical storms, which coulddamage coral reefs

*ynamiting channels throughcoral reefs to improvehar%our access

#ollution from sewage ofgrowing ur%an areas

+igher water temperaturescause bleaching and deathof coral reefs as well as

the algae that live on themse of the reefs %y holiday

visitors for recreationdiving

Ocean currents could %edisrupted %y melting icecaps. This could changeocean temperatures andeffect ha%itats and eco-systems

/an *on /ay, Thailand

8/12/2019 6 - Oceans on the Edge

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