The Blue Planet’s Hidden Treasures: Understanding Marine Biodiversity

 What is Marine Biodiversity?

Marine diversity is the density of the species that are present in water particularly salt water bodies. This, of course, ranges from the microbes to the whales and other sea creatures. Marine biological diversity as a critical aspect of maintaining the health of the earth and recognized efficacy of its ecosystems with regards to supply of food, medicine, etc.

Communities Of Marine Ecosystems

Marine environments are highly complex thus the different marine habitats available in the world possess distinct features and inhabitants. Some of the most well-known marine ecosystems include:

Coral Reefs: Coral reefs also known as ‘Barrier Reef,’ are ranked among the most biodiverse ecosystems otherwise known as ‘the rain forests of the seas’. It supports diverse marine anadromous, estuarine and littoral species; and are critical in maintaining the overall health of the ocean. They also help reduce coastlines erosion, support fish breeding and act as tourism attractions for many individuals and companies economically.

Mangroves: Such forests are important for the conservation of the coasts from winds and waves as well as for the breeding of several species of sea creatures. Mangroves also have a huge contribution in carbon storage as well.

Deep-Sea Environments: The deep Sea is almost a virgin territory that has remained largely uncharted among the world’s oceans. It is host to species that are endemic to the extreme environment prevailing in those deeper parts i.e. high pressure and low light.

Open Ocean: This large region of the ocean is one of the most important habitats of a number of pelagic species such as big fish, marine mammals and birds. The ocean environment that refers to the international waters is very crucial in controlling the climate of the world and cycling of nutrients.

Marine Species of Importance and Their Function 

 Marine life diversity is made up of various groups of animals with each having unique characteristics in relation to the environment. Some key species include: 

 Phytoplankton: Such tiny plants are the key members of the marine food chain since they provide the food for the other creatures. It will develop oxygen through photosynthesis and is also the basic diet like a source of nutrition for many marine animals. 

 Zooplankton: Minute animals, some of which are measured in millimeters, which feed on Phyto planktons in water are themselves food to other big sea creatures. 

 Fish: Fish are a group of diversified species, which inhabit different positions in the sea environment. These are essential in order to help with the stability of the ocean biosphere and provide nutrients to the human diets. 

 Marine Mammals: Marine mammals include animals such as the whales, dolphins and the seals. They have unique functions in nutrient cycling and are also important to the overall general health of the marine environment. 

 Corals: Such small creatures build vast colonies which form the structures of Corals. The significance of the coral components within reefs cannot be underestimated since corals serve as homes to many marine organisms. 

 Threats to Marine Biodiversity 

 There are so many challenges affecting marine biodiversity today most of them are as a result of human interference. Some of the most significant threats include:

 Pollution: The issues such as plastics which are usually found washed up on the shores, oil spills and chemicals leaching into the sea from agriculture and industries deal a severe blow to marine life. 

 Overfishing: It is unfortunate that through fishing, fish stocks are often over exploited and the food chains in the water are often upset. 

 Climate Change: Global warming and climate change therefore have a negative impact on marine ecosystems through increased temperature of the oceans, sea water acidity and increased sea level. 

 Habitat Destruction: Habitation of the coast, dredging as well as bottom trawling can harm some of the most sensitive marine habitats for example the coral reefs and mangroves. 

 Conclusion

Marine life plays a significant role in the sustenance and stability of earth’s ecosystem as well as the human communities. Through awareness of the value of the marine ecosystem and the challenges that threaten the well being of these ecosystems, appropriate measures towards their protection are made. With cooperation of common effort and utilizing best practices in innovation, the ocean has the potential of being full of life in the coming generations.