Most of the impact of this was experienced by the marine species. Eight U.S. national parks were threatened and more than 400 species that live in the Gulf islands were at risk, including the endangered Kemp's Ridley turtle. The clean up of this travesty cost the government and companies billions to clear. As a result of the spill deep sea drilling in the Gulf was suspended until new safety measures had been put in place, costing governments and companies further millions, whilst the price of oil continued to rise. A spill in other deep sea areas such as the Arctic could accelerate damage in a very sensitive environment, which is already dangerously close to its
Escaped farmed salmon are then capable of spreading these infections to wild Pacific salmon populations. Of course, the big question is, “What can we do about these problems?” The best approach according to Frazer & Lewis (2008; as cited in SeaWeb, 2007), would include “… locating sea cages very far from wild fish” (Abstract), or using a “closed containment” (p. 2) system in order to isolate farmed fish from wild fish. Unfortunately, both options are more expensive than popular methods of aquaculture. Short-term gains from aquaculture and other human interventions appear to outweigh short-term losses, so industry has little incentive to follow more sustainable practices. If these practices continue, then long-term losses may result in the extinction of multiple Pacific salmon species
Recognized by many as the “smeltdown in the Delta,” the extinction trajectory of delta smelt, has left the once-abundant species in critical condition due to record-high water diversions, pollutants, and harmful nonnative species that thrive in the damaged delta habitat. The delta smelt is semelparous, living one year and dying after its first spawning. Delta smelt spawning occurs in spring in river channels and tidally influenced backwater sloughs upstream of the mixing zone where saltwater meets freshwater. This shift in the species center of abundance arises from the fact that while the delta smelt is a saltwater tolerant species, it is seldom found where sea
In this environmental disaster, 10 cubic meters of water and 4.5 million cubic meters of potentially toxic slurry were spilled into virtually untouched forest, lakes and rivers. If something like this happens at the Pebble Mine, then most of the fish and wildlife in Bristol Bay would be in danger of being killed. A species that would be greatly affected by this is the sockeye salmon. More than half of the world’s population of these fish lives in Bristol Bay. This means that the survival of this species would be threatened.
Firstly, the Everglades are an important ecosystem which reduces flooding and replenish aquifers but human actions are having a huge impact on the landscape. The rapid urban and agricultural development in the area has decreased the size of the wetlands dramatically which affects the organisms found there. This is especially important as it is home to several endangered species. Not only that, but invasive species that threaten existing wildlife by preying on or competing with them. According to Everglades.org, they’ve “contributed to nearly 70 percent of extinctions in the United States” and are the “primary cause of species endangerment.” The water itself is a major cause of decline to the area, firstly because of poor water management leading to water levels being too low or too high at the wrong times has caused a decline in many species.
“Apparently the mass of the plastic particles is six times more than the mass of the natural plankton in the area.” This large expanse of ocean has become unhealthy for the animals that feed around the Gyre. “The plastic is found at depths of up to 30 meters. It is literally creating a landmass.” Because not all the plastic’s as it breaks down, and releases large amounts of toxic substances into the water of the Pacific Ocean. Not to mention that the Sea birds and other marine animals mistake these sand like plastics as food, and aren’t able to digest the plastics resulting in a large number of deaths of these animals. We all can contribute in helping the slow the growth of “trash Island” so some call it.
These pollutants have reduced water quality, contaminated soils, and damaged the Lake’s ecosystems. Pollution in wildlife has caused fish consumption to decrease, the spread of disease and viruses to increase, loss of fish and other wildlife stock. The closing of beaches and other recreational activities have been another direct result of the
These fish pose a significant threat to the great lakes due to their large size and feeding habits. The bighead carp consume vast amounts of food and quickly dominate a water body. The Asian Carp were imported around the nineteen seventies and were used for aquaculture operations. Although some believe that the Asian Carp should be kept alive because they are rich in omega-3s and are now being served in restaurants, Asian carp should be removed or eliminated completely from the great lakes because they will decimate the billion dollar fishing industry in the Great Lakes, and permanently damage the ecosystem. Some believe that the Asian Carp should be kept alive because of their nutritional value and their recent emergence in restaurants.
Another leading cause of pollution in Lake Huron is air pollution. Past environmental studies have shown over three million kilograms of carcinogens polluting the air (Statistics 2003). Currently studies show the working group in Lake Huron have clean up day to help promote clean air (Statistics 2009). Other contributing causes to the pollution in Lake Huron are fertilizers which have caused major algae blooms, causing an imbalance in nutrients, a collapse in the salmon fishery, and chemicals from pesticides. Fish stocks have significantly declined due to the increased pollutants (Harvey
“The reefs within the Hol Chan area near San Pedro Town are showing signs of stress caused by over collecting and damage from boat's anchors” (Encyclopedia of Earth, 2011). Besides the obvious damage caused by boats, the reefs are also over fished and not just by the locals. The Encyclopedia of Earth (2011) states that “for decades, the Sapodilla Cayes and Glover's Reef areas have been illegally fished by Guatemalan and Honduran fishermen. Since there are no closed seasons or size limits for conch and lobster in those countries, much of the area has been depleted of its conch and lobster populations” (Management