Ocean Ecosystem

The ocean is a large form of saltwater covering around 71 percent of the Earth's surface. It is also the largest ecosystem on the Earth which supports numerous organisms. And these organisms are from tiniest unicellular to the largest creature on this earth i.e., blue whale. Photosynthesis occurs in Phytoplankton and algae and are the producers where the food web initiates. Phytoplankton and algae are consumed by zooplankton and crustaceans as well as by small fishes and known as the primary consumer. Similarly, these primary consumers are eaten by big fish, baby sharks etc. Sharks, whales and seals are the main predators in the ocean ecosystem.

Why to Safeguard the Ocean?

*Global contributor of Oxygen

It is estimated that almost 70 percent of global oxygen is generated by marine plants but only around 28 % from rainforests. Henceforth, protecting ocean ecosystem can add more on it.

* Climate Regulator

Oceans are the climate regulator as they help in balancing the temperature and weather patterns because around 83 % of the earth carbon cycle is circulates through marine waters.

*Transport circuit

It is not new to mark that the most of the country is developing due to industrialization. Many goods are shipped through ocean routes. Marine transport are the main contributor of global trade.

*Source of Food

Fish is the common sources of protein that reports about 15.7% of the animal protein consumed in this world. A part from fish, as a traditional practice many sea plants and many algae are consumed by the people of Asian Countries.

*Others

-Recreation activities

- Many marine plants and algae are also used as ingredients to cure circulatory and nervous system disorder.

References:

·         WHY PROTECT OUR OCEANS? Available on:  https://marine-conservation.org/what-we-do/advocate/why-we-protect-our-oceans/#:~:text=Oceans%20provide%20at%20least%20a,survival%20all%20require%20healthy%20oceans.

·         Why should we care about the ocean? Available on: https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/why-care-about-ocean.html

·         Marine life. Available on:  https://www.noaa.gov/education/resource-collections/marine-life

·         Save the Plankton, Breathe Freely. Available on: https://www.nationalgeographic.org/activity/save-the-plankton-breathe-freely/

·         How climate change relates to oceans. Available on:  https://www.worldwildlife.org/stories/how-climate-change-relates-to-oceans#:~:text=The%20oceans%20also%20regulate%20the,rainfall%2C%20droughts%2C%20and%20floods.&text=In%20the%20last%20200%20years,rising%20concentration%20of%20greenhouse%20gases.

·         7 REASONS WHY THE OCEAN IS SO IMPORTANT. Available on: https://theoceanpreneur.com/sail/sailing-sustainability/seven-reasons-ocean-important/#:~:text=It%20is%20an%20important%20source%20of%20food.,more%20than%20a%20billion%20people.&text=Considering%20the%20world%20population%20growing,alternative%20and%20nutritious%20food%20sources.

·         Maritime Transport Is ‘Backbone of Global Trade and the Global Economy’, Says Secretary-General in Message for International Day. Available on: https://www.un.org/press/en/2016/sgsm18129.doc.htm