Plastic Pollution
What is plastic pollution and how does it originate?
Plastic pollution originates from garbage plastic items like bags, bottles, and packaging that are used daily and eventually thrown away, leading to over 8 million tons entering the oceans annually.
What is overfishing?
Overfishing occurs when fish are caught at a faster rate than they can naturally reproduce, leading to declining fish populations.
Why is noise pollution considered easier to solve than other pollutants?
Because we know its causes, locations, and how to stop it, allowing for direct mitigation measures.
What is environmental DNA (eDNA)?
DNA collected from the environment such as soil, seawater, or snow.
How does plastic pollution affect marine life?
Plastic pollution affects nearly 700 species, including endangered ones, and can cause harm through disrupting marine ecosystems.
What is bycatch in fishing, and which animals are most affected?
Bycatch is the accidental capture of non-target species such as turtles, dolphins, and whales.
What is noise pollution in oceans?
Unwanted and disturbing sounds that negatively impact marine animals and their environments.
How does eDNA technology help in detecting ecosystem changes?
It allows faster detection of changes by identifying shifts in species presence and abundance.
Why is most plastic trash in the ocean a long-term environmental problem?
Most plastic trash isn't biodegradable, meaning it doesn't decompose back into nature and can remain in the ocean for up to a thousand years, breaking down into microplastics.
What percentage of fish stocks are fully fished or overfished?
Over 60% of fish stocks are fully fished, and nearly 30% are overfished.
What are the effects of noise pollution on marine life?
Forced evacuations, reduced population sizes, hearing damage, disrupted communication, and navigation issues.
What types of samples can be used to collect eDNA?
Soil, seawater, and snow.
What are some actions we can do tto reduce plastic pollution?
We can recycle regularly, refuse single-use plastics, use reusable alternatives, spread awareness, and never litter to help reduce plastic pollution.
What does 'fishing down the food web' mean?
It refers to targeting smaller species like sardines or anchovies after larger fish decline, which can disrupt the marine food chain.
What are major human activities that contribute to ocean noise pollution?
Shipping, seismic air guns, blast dynamite fishing, and oil exploration.
What future potentials does eDNA hold for wildlife conservation?
It can open new, innovative ways to learn about and protect marine life as technology advances.
Why is it important to expand waste collection efforts in middle and lower-income countries?
Why is it important to expand waste collection efforts in middle and lower-income countries?
What are some solutions to prevent overfishing?
Enforcing catch limits, gear restrictions, establishing fishing boundaries, learning from indigenous practices, and reducing bycatch with better gear like Turtle Exclusion Devices.
What are some proposed solutions to reduce noise pollution in the oceans?
Design quieter ships, reduce propeller noise, slow shipping speeds, and reroute vessels away from sensitive habitats.
Why is obtaining accurate information about marine life crucial for conservation?
Because it helps scientists know what lives where, which is essential for protecting environments.