Impact of Exploitation of The Oceans (Copy)
5.3 Impact of Exploitation of the Oceans – Cheat Sheet
Impacts of Exploitation of Fisheries
| Impact | Explanation | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Overfishing of Target Species | Harvesting beyond sustainable levels reduces fish stocks and threatens species survival | Collapse of North Atlantic cod fishery |
| Bycatch | Non-target species (dolphins, turtles, seabirds) caught in nets → population decline | Tuna fishing leading to dolphin deaths |
| Ecosystem Imbalance | Removing top predators disrupts food chains → affects entire ecosystem | Decline in sharks → rise in mid-level predators |
| Economic Impact | Short-term profits followed by long-term collapse of fishing industry | Peruvian anchovy industry crash (1972 El Niño worsened effects) |
| Social Impact | Job losses, reduced protein supply in LEDCs dependent on fish | Fishing villages in West Africa suffering from foreign fleets |
Marine Farming (Aquaculture)
| Aspect | Benefit | Limitation |
|---|---|---|
| Fish Farming | Provides alternative to wild fishing, reduces pressure on oceans | Risk of disease spread, water pollution |
| Shellfish Farming | Mussels, oysters filter water, sustainable protein source | Sensitive to pollution, over-concentration issues |
| Seaweed Farming | Source of food, chemicals, biofuels; absorbs COâ‚‚ | Can alter marine habitats if poorly managed |
Quick Pointers
- Overfishing = environmental + economic + social impacts.
- Aquaculture reduces exploitation but requires management to avoid pollution & disease.
- Sustainable fishing practices (quotas, selective nets, marine reserves) are key.
Written and Compiled By Sir Hunain Zia, World Record Holder With 154 Total A Grades, 7 Distinctions and 11 World Records For Educate A Change O Level And IGCSE Environmental Management Full Scale Course