The Effects of Marine Biology on the Environment

Written by: Juan Vinasco

In this article, I will explore the effects of pollution on marine biology. Marine biology is the study of marine organisms and their behaviors and interactions with the environment. Marine biologists study biological oceanography and the associated fields of chemical, physical, and geological components of the ocean. This allows marine biologists to better understand marine organisms. Some commonly known marine animals include turtles, fish, whales, sharks, sea lions, penguins, and dolphins.

Life in the ocean is not the same as the way it is portrayed in movies or documentaries. Many documentaries only record the animals in certain places or moments. While many aspects of this animal’s life are covered, an important component is left out: pollution. Pollution of the seas and oceans is a serious problem. Pollution directly affects wildlife in oceanic habitats and indirectly affects human health. It is estimated that every year 6.4 million tons of waste end up in the sea. Plastic makes up anywhere from 60% to 80%, with peaks of up to 95% in some areas. Pollution makes the jobs of marine biologists much more difficult. Much of the g

arbage clogs the oceans and pollutes them. Animals often eat garbage, or get trapped in it and die.

Many companies pollute the oceans with chemicals and destroy marine life. Issues affecting the ocean include litter, pollution, overexploitation of resources, unsustainable aquaculture, marine engineering, oil extraction, habitat destruction, ocean acidification, and coral bleaching. Besides affecting animals, these issues lead to high levels of mercury and an increase in the temperature of the sea. A big change made to improve these situations is the usage of reusable bags. It may not seem like a big deal, but it helps.

I asked some students what they think about these disastrous environmental issues. All agreed that the ocean is an important resource that humans are destroying. Some suggested that companies should create organizations to help clean the ocean and lakes. Others said they were not aware that the contamination was so extensive. Something you can do to help reduce waste and help ocean life survive: when you go to the beach, pick up all the garbage you produced and respect the habitats of the animals.