Environmental Impacts on Deep Oceans Could Have Drastic Impacts on Climate
"A rise in sea levels isn't the only impact global warming is having on the world's oceans. A growing body of evidence suggests that climate change is also affecting ocean currents and the chemistry of the seas, with potentially catastrophic results.... Some ocean scientists believe that if action isn't taken quickly to address climate change, our oceans could face their biggest shock in 100 million years." "Sea Change" on "Now" on PBS
"Scientists now predict with a great degree of certainty that unless we switch to a clean energy economy, climate change will result in increased severity and intensity of storms, melting sea ice, rising sea level, changes in food production and drinking water availability and importantly, the acidification of our oceans and a mass extinction of corals." "Our Oceans: What Could Happen" on "Now" on PBS
Coral Reef Ecosystems Affected by Rising Ocean Temperatures
"Almost half the coral reef ecosystems in United States territory are in poor or fair condition, mostly because of rising ocean temperatures, according to a government report... "NOAA report: US coral reefs in severe decline" (Associated Press)
"Researchers who studied a string of Pacific Ocean atolls are painting the first detailed picture of pristine coral reefs and how they can be disrupted by people - particularly, they said, by fishing." "Coral reefs without human intervention found to be healthier"
Oceanographer Sylvia Earle's 11th Hours Talk at TED
Aquanaut Team Leader and founder of companies and nonprofits related to the ocean - Sylvia Earle - leader of National Geographic's Sustainable Seas expeditions - prize winner at the 2009 TED conference "TED Talks ~ Sylvia Earle: Here's how to protect the blue heart of the planet (TED Prize winner!)"
Pew Charitable Trusts Oceans Commission
In the first thorough review of ocean policy in 34 years, the Pew Oceans Commission released a host of recommendations in 2003 to guide the way in which the federal government will successfully manage America’s marine environment. The report found that more than 60 percent of America’s coastal rivers and bays are degraded by nutrient runoff. Crucial species like groundfish and salmon are under assault from overfishing. Invasive species are establishing themselves in the nation’s coastal waters.
The commission recommended
* improving the management of the nation’s commercial fisheries;
* establishing networks of marine reserves in coastal waters;
* increasing the involvement of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in environmental restoration;
* applying strong environmental standards to fish farms; and
* regulating the discharge of waste by cruise ships.
The Pew Oceans Commission concluded its work, but its findings are still available online to aid researchers and policy makers. "Pew Oceans Commission"
~=~
