Aquatic Ecosystem Impacts

Aquatic ecosystems suffer heavily from human impact. Pollution from different sources has resulted in the destruction of aquatic plant and animal life all over the world. Over time, these effects have become quite severe. However, there are ways to help prevent and reverse the damage. Knowing what harms oceans, lakes and rivers is important so that individuals and organizations can address the issue.

Oceans

• It is no secret that humans are affecting the ocean ecosystems. What most people may not know is just how heavy the impact truly is. In fact, 40 percent of the planet's oceans have been severely affected by human activities. The majority of the damage comes from things like shipping, coastal development and fishing. As a result, marine life such as fish and shellfish are rapidly disappearing. In turn, this upsets the balance of the oceans, because they are not as easily able to provide food or clean water. Also, a declining marine population affects the fishing industries, making it difficult for fishermen to make a living.

Lakes

• Considering the heavy human population around lakes, it is no surprise that human impact has been substantial. Things like agriculture, industry and sewage treatment have caused a great deal of harm to the stability of lakes everywhere. Pollution from fertilizers has been known to increase aquatic plant growth, starving the lakes of oxygen. With a lack of oxygen, death of marine life, such as fish, is inevitable. Additionally, dirty substances resulting from the pollution make lakes undesirable to fish or swim in.

Rivers

• Rivers are heavily affected by pollution. Waste from fertilizers affects rivers by speeding up algae growth, making the water green. When the algae die, bacteria break them down and consume a lot of oxygen. The loss of oxygen causes deaths among various marine life forms. Industrial waste is also highly toxic. The chemicals emitted into rivers from industry can instantly kill fish. In some cases, oil might cover the surface of rivers, starving them of oxygen. Birds who come in contact with the oily surface may ingest some of it and die.

Solutions

• While reversing the impact on aquatic ecosystems may seem staggering, there are things that you can do to help meet that goal. Do not throw garbage or chemicals into sewer drains. Logically, these lead to lakes and rivers. Avoid using fertilizers and pesticides that can make their way into nearby waters. When cleaning your driveway, sweep it instead of using a hose. Try to use non-toxic cleaning materials, and do not clean things like paint brushes in the sink.