...myriad of fields. The uncontrollable expansion of lionfish has harmed the environment, the economy, and recreational activities such as fishing and diving. Because lionfish have no natural predators in the Atlantic Ocean, there is no way for nature to naturally regulate their population growth. In addition, lionfish are equipped with venomous spines that deter potential predators and often cause harm to humans. Lionfish are also extremely resistant to parasites giving them another advantage over native fish. Furthermore, lionfish exhibit extraordinary reproduction mechanisms. A single lionfish has the capacity to lay over 2 million eggs per year. In contrast, many native species can take up to 3-5 years to reproduce (Ocean Support Foundation). Lionfishes’ voracious, nonselective appetite has allowed them to deplete a myriad of juvenile fish populations, which in turns creates a massive food shortage for native fish such as cleaner shrimp and grouper. In addition, lionfish have successfully diminished the populations of economically important species such as Nassau grouper and snapper. As a result, the commercial fishing industry has been greatly compromised (REEF). In the future, lionfish have the capacity to devastated ecotourism in many places, in turn further disrupting the economy. Recreational fishing, snorkeling, and diving have also been greatly impacted. Recreational fishermen have been increasingly disheartened by the lack of fish in our oceans, while snorkelers and...
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...Essay Topic: Are the economic, social and environmental implications of the Coral Sea Commonwealth Marine Reserve Management Plan 2014 – 2024 on local communities and the fishing industry justifiable? Next year, on July 1, the world's largest marine reserve will come into effect. The Coral Sea Commonwealth Marine Reserve Management Plan 2014 -2024 is the culmination of more than a decade of campaigning by conservationists, consultation by the Federal Government and vehement opposition by industries and regional communities affected by the decision. On one hand, conservationists believe the nearly one million km² of ocean inside the Australian Exclusive Economic Zone will protect forever the pristine marine ecosystems of the Coral Sea - an iconic statement by the Australian government and its people that it's serious about marine conservation. However, the closure of some of Australia's richest fishing grounds will directly impact on commercial fishers and game charter operators, seafood distributors and wholesalers and other shore-based industries in regional ports such as Cairns. Many of these people claim the outcome has been achieved by the government based on emotive scaremongering campaign driven by a cashed-up environmental lobby without scientific basis. So, who is right? In a community where the local economy has become so reliant on the dominant tourism industry, isn't the marine park sending the right message to the rest of the world about its iconic natural wonders...
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...most significant cause of losses in shark populations worldwide. Shark finning is widespread, and largely unmanaged and unmonitored. Shark finning has increased over the past decade due to the increasing demand for shark fins (for shark fin soup and traditional cures), improved fishing technology, and improved market economics. Shark specialists estimate that 100 million sharks are killed for their fins, annually. One pound of dried shark fin can retail for $300 or more. It’s a multi-billion dollar industry. Impacts of Shark Finning Loss and devastation of shark populations around the world. Experts estimate that within a decade, most species of sharks will be lost because of longlining. Unsustainable fishery. The massive quantity of sharks harvested and lack of selection deplete shark populations faster than their reproductive abilities can replenish populations. Threatens the stability of marine ecosystems. Loss of sharks as a food staple for many developing countries. Local waters are invaded by large industrial, foreign fishing vessels that threaten traditional sustainable fisheries. Threatens socio-economically important recreational fisheries. Obstructs the collection of...
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...Purpose The purpose of this paper is to gain an understanding of marine protection areas within Australian waters and to analyse its policy from an environmental and economic viewpoint, in order to forward policy recommendations for future consideration. A Background to Environmental Policy The underlying assumption behind environmental policy is that by designing social intervention we can bring about environmental improvement. However, designing a policy that actually produces the changes you seek is extremely difficult. Chiefly, planning and policy attempt to exercise control, to develop a desired future (Thomas 2007, p.7). But control is difficult enough to achieve over people, let alone trying to control the physical environment (Thomas 2007, p.7). Another fundamental issue for policy-makers is the direction of the policy. In particular they have to consider whether they are attempting to prevent environmental impacts that result from human action, or whether they are attempting to adapt to such changes, consciously or unconsciously (Thomas 2007, p.8). Natural Resources Natural resources have been critical for human welfare since people first started to walk the earth several million years ago (Field 2005 p.27). Natural resource economics is the study of how the flow of goods and services derived from natural resources is, and should be, managed in today’s world (Field 2005 p.37). Field continues to state that resource management problems derive from the underlying...
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...Instructor: Steven Arnold Fall Quarter University of Denver By: Cletus Achibonga November 7, 2012 Table of content Title 1 Abstract 4 Introduction 5 1.1 Scope 5 1.2 Background 5 Animal and plant deaths 8 2.1 Birds 8 2.2 Mammals and other animals 10 2.3 Plants and plant food 11 Environmental impacts 12 3.1 Physical impacts 13 3.2 Chemical impacts 14 3.3 Biological impacts 14 3.4 Human impacts 15 3.5 Economic impacts 16 Societal Responds 17 Conclusion and Recommendation 20 References: 21 List of figures Figure 1: A pack of plastics at the shores of Kamilo Beach, Island of Hawaii 8 Figure 2: Bird corpse with ingested plastic 10 Figure 3: Seal entangled in fishing nets and lines 11 Figure 4: DPSIR model analysis of the pacific gyre 18 Abstract The pacific patch is the most devastating problem of our generation yet there is little public knowledge about the nature and severity of the situation. There is also little to no awareness as to the way we humans either intentionally or unintentionally contribute to the worsening situation in our water bodies. This study used the DPSIR model in analyzing the problem of the pacific gyre from a systems perspective. It focused on the impacts of the pacific gyre on the environment, plants, animals as well as the ecosystem. The study also looked at societies responds to this problem of plastic debris and those the author suggest as...
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...Ecosystem Structure, Function, and Change Paper (Great Lakes) Shantera Bell October 26, 2015 SCI/256 UOP The Great Lakes region is rich with life and full of native species well adapted to survival. However, since the early 1800s, many non-native plants, animals and microscopic organisms have been introduced into the Great Lakes, either accidentally or intentionally. Great Lakes native species are diverse and interesting and contribute to a healthy ecosystem. There are many unique and interesting birds, fish and plants found in Michigan and throughout the region that are integral to the health of the Great Lakes ecosystem. More than 140 species of birds depend on Michigan’s coastal habitat during their life cycle. Coastal wetlands, beaches, sand dunes and remote islands provide food and shelter for both resident and migratory species. Waterfowl such as Canvasback and Scaup are among the many species that use coastal wetlands as stopover sites to rest and refuel. Shorebirds including the endangered piping plover fly thousands of miles to nest on undisturbed beaches and remote Great Lakes islands. Because of their use of the coastal lands, there are thousands of great locations to see both resident and migratory bird species throughout Michigan and the Great Lakes region. State parks, national parks, wildlife refuges and sanctuaries throughout the state all provide good bird-watching opportunities. Some sites along Michigan’s Great Lakes shoreline are even...
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...Why are small streams so valuable to an ecosystem and to people? I chose this research question in order to explain the importance of the data from my project. To do this, I interviewed Chad Schwinnen and Ali Laughbaum. Both are environmental science teachers at New Albany High School. Schwinnen has his bachelors of science in biology from Ohio State University and his masters of science in biology from Wright State. He has been teaching for nine years and he has taught classes like biology, senior environmental research course, and environmental science. Laughbaum has a combined degree of a biology and geology from Ohio State University. She has been teaching for fourteen years and for nine of those years she has taught environmental science....
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...Mackerel Date: 02/18/2012 Physical Description and Habitat - In the Atlantic Ocean there are three fish groups of Mackerel. The (Scomberomorus maculatus) or more commonly referred to as the Spanish mackerel are “mid-level pelagic carnivores” (noaa.gov) that have closely related cousins. The other types of mackerel that are related to the Spanish are the larger but less spotted King mackerel (Scomberomorus cavalla) - and the (Scomberomorus regalis) known as the Cero mackerel. All types of mackerel are migratory pelagic fish. They inhabit, feed and spawn in areas of the Atlantic spanning from the Gulf of Mexico to Northern parts of the eastern United States. Although there are subtle differences between the three types, this paper will focus mainly on the Spanish mackerel. The male and female Spanish mackerels vary in size. The male usually averages out to a length of about nineteen inches while the larger sized female mackerel can grow as long as thirty three inches (Wikipedia). The Spanish mackerel’s are a stunningly colored fish. They are mainly silver from its head to tail, however the upper back almost glows green, while its sides have layered yellow spots, standing out further due to its mainly black shaded dorsal fin and tail. Mainly looking for prey the mackerel tends to stay in shallower water, sometimes noticed snorkelers and or scuba diving alike close to the shore. Although mackerels growth rate is extremely up to four years of age and then hold...
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...improve the status quo. The report will include * An introduction of the issue. * A summary of at least three journal articles relevant to the issue. * Evaluation of your three improvement options. * Self-reflection on how you could improve the work that I have submitted for this assignment. 2. Environmental Issue 2.1 Overfishing The environmental issue I have chosen for this assignment is Ocean Overfishing. Overfishing is when a particular type of fish is harvested so often and in such great numbers that the population of that fish is severely depleted, resulting in endangerment and potential extinction. This generally is the result of commercial, rather than recreational, fishing. Overfishing has implications well beyond marine life; it affects the human food supply, the fishing industry, and the environment. 3 Journal Articles 3.1 Article 1 Singh, T. (2012, September). Overfishing leaves North Sea With Just 100 Adult Cod, http://inhabitat.com. This article provides information on the growing problem of Overfishing, and possible ways...
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...incomes • Increase in leisure time • Paid holidays as part of employment contracts • Shorter working week • Earlier retirement • Increased mobility • Improved availability of information (especially through the internet) This fact sheet looks at the number of people who visit the New Forest and how they spend their time when they get here. For further information on how the New Forest National Park Authority aims to identify and manage both the positive and negative effects of the number of visitors and the level of recreation within the Park see the Tourism and Recreation: Managing the Impacts fact sheet. The following facts and figures come from a result of a number of surveys carried out by Tourism South East Research Services, September 2005. Volume and Value estimates The total visitor volumes using the New Forest Park is estimated at 13,555,400 visitor days (excluding business tourists and personal and social visits to friends and relatives). Total spending associated with leisure visits to the New Forest National Park is estimated at around £107.6 million. Taking into account ‘leakage’, it is estimated that spending within the New Forest on leisure trips amounts to £72 million. The total number of actual jobs sustained directly and indirectly in the New Forest by visitor activity is estimated to be 2,451. Walking at...
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...Fisheries and Human Impact on Puget Sound The Puget Sound runs along the northeastern coast of Washington state. It is made up of a mixed estuarine environment and complex waterways (United States Environmental Protection Agency). Fishing is a main industry in the Puget Sound area. It accounts for more than $100 million in the state of Washington’s economy (Radtke, 2011). Fisheries are the study of the ecology of fish in a given environment. In oceanography it is defined as ecological organization of a biome, community, population, or species (Govoni, 2005). There are many different sectors of fisheries to study. For example, abundance and distribution of different fishes, human impact, and the study of the physical processes are difference...
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...Reconnecting to a Forgotten River An Ecological Solution Design Thesis | Aaron Hanson Reconnecting to a Forgotten River A Design Thesis Submitted to the Department of Architecture and Landscape Architecture of North Dakota State University By Aaron Hanson In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Bachelors of Landscape Architecture Primary Thesis Advisor Thesis Committee Chair May, 2012 Fargo, North Dakota Ma, 0 2 y2 1 table of contents abstract problem statement statement of intent narrative user/client description major project elements site information project emphasis plan for proceeding previous studio experience theoretical premise research case studies climate data historical context project goals site analysis an ecological solution personal identification reference list 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 - 12 13 14 15 16 - 34 35 - 58 59 - 65 66 - 71 72 73 - 88 89 - 108 109 110 - 111 abstract Waterways are a vital and productive resource to our environment. Rivers provide a variety of amenities and services to communities across the world such as drinking water, food, travel, recreation, wildlife habitat, connection to place, aesthetic appeal, economic development, etc. This thesis project examines the importance of the Mississippi River to its urban community and how riverfront design can function as a unifying element for the city center and its ecosystem. Over half of the world’s future population will be living in urban environments...
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...purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of a range of different travel and tourism options, and quantifies the carbon-dioxide emissions resulting from international vacations, breaking down emissions categories into those resulting from transport, accommodation and recreation. Design/methodology/approach – The paper uses summary data to review a range of possible vacation scenarios and examines their relative carbon-dioxide emissions in order to compare the relative climatic impact of different forms of tourism and vacation options. Findings – The paper concludes that intercontinental flights and cruise ship travel are particularly carbon-intensive, which suggests that these two forms of tourism will be particularly vulnerable to any policy initiative to curb or price carbon emissions. Ends by considering whether climatically responsible international tourism is possible, and outlines some low-carbon options. Originality/value – The paper relates data on carbon emissions to the implications for tourism arising from climate change. Keywords Climatology, Tourism, Global warming Paper type General review 274 The nature of the challenge While much of the discussion about the climate change impacts of international travel focuses upon international aviation, all forms of transport result in the emissions of carbon dioxide. Increased carbon dioxide emissions also result from the accommodation facilities used by international tourists and the recreational activities they engage...
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...BP Paper Rough Draft 11/23/2012 April 20, 2012 British Petroleums drilling vessel Deepwater Horizon suffered an explosion, and then began expelling enormous amounts of crude oil into the Gulf of Mexico. Although many different individuals and organizations attempted to help BP fix their spewing well, it wasn’t until July 15 that the vent was cut off. Through our research we have developed an analysis that examines the cause of the cause of the disaster, the event itself and its aftermath. We would also like to offer our recommendations on the subject. British Petroleum is an international oil company base in London and is one the nations leading oil and gas producer (History of oil spill). In spite of BP’s market share, as a company they have an unfortunate history of safety breeches including a 2005 explosion at oil refinery in Texas (Deep Water dDrilling). These accidents seem to be a cause of weak corporate safety culture and cost leadership (On average, fifty percent of management bonuses were awarded on the basis of cost cutting). The lack of proper safety practice and absence of oversight has ultimately resulted in infrastructure and architectural failure (Deep Water Drilling). As with any disaster, each party involves attempts to prove their innocence and are all too quick to point a finger at a party that must be guiltier than they and the Deepwater Horizon spill is no different. Although BP owned the oil, other companies had considerable interaction with Horizon;...
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...jam, you name it. Now take that image, double it, and plunk into the water. That's what is floating around the eastern corner of a 10-million-square-mile oval known as the North Pacific subtropical gyre. Nicknamed the "Eastern Garbage Patch," this buoyant stew of toxic pollution-most of which is plastic-is only one of five such garbage heaps caught in the swirling high-pressure currents characteristic of gyres. The others reside in the South Pacific, the North and South Atlantic, and the Indian Ocean. And each year, perhaps unwittingly, each one of us adds to plastic to the heap. Plastic makes it into our oceans in a variety of ways. About twenty percent of it comes from goods lost from boats: i.e. accidental loss of fishing tackle and other recreational gear, massive shipping containers carrying millions of plastic items washed overboard during severe storms; litter from pleasure boats, or illegal dumping of unwanted goods. Beachgoer’s debris is also a contributor. The other eighty percent is swept in from land. Just as Nonpoint Source Pollution from fertilizers, detergents, and pesticides find their way into our waters, so too are plastic items washing into our blue oceans. A discarded bottle cap or an empty sandwich bag thoughtlessly left along the side of the road will eventually be blown or kicked or washed into a storm drain, which will then shoot it straight into the ocean. Not all plastic floats. In fact, nearly half of it sinks to the bottom of...
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