The OceanA vast body of water that encompasses the majority of the Earth’s surface.

OCEANP r e s e r v a t i o n

Shark Finning

How people affect sharks all

over the world.

Page 2

Coral Reef Destruction

The devastation of corals and

marine animals.

Page 3

Oil Spill

How an accident can damage

the ocean.

Page 3

Destructive Methods of Fishing & Overfishing Harmful fishing methods and too much of fishing.

Page 4

INTRODUCTION"The oceans are in trouble; the coasts are in trouble; our marine resources are in trouble. These are not challenges

we can sweep aside."— James Watkins, Admiral, US Navy (Ret.);

head of US Commission on Ocean Policy

SHARK FINNING

“Back then, sharks were roaming freely across the oceans. Today, they swim with the risk of getting caught.”

This transition was made by the practice of shark

finning, the laceration of a shark’s fins. After this process,

the body is then discarded into the ocean.

For many years, shark fins were primarily

used to make shark fin soup. This broth originated in

China; which eventually dispersed around the world.

Shark fin soup is a delicacy amongst people in higher

classes, and can cost $70-$150. For species like the whale

shark and basking shark, a single fin can cost $10,000-

$20,000.

“If we continue overfishing sharks, the ecosystem will drastically change.”

Sharks are apex predators, and their disappearance

will change the food chain. Every hour, sharks are nearing

the verge of extinction. As time passes, the need to save

sharks grows even more.Around the world, there are some

laws that protect sharks. Unfortunately these laws are

difficult to enforce. In fact, countries are lacking the

resources to patrol the oceans. It’s tough to decrease

CORAL REEF DESTRUCTION“Coral reefs are beautiful marine habitats that serves as a home to thousands of species.” This includes fish, crustaceous, octopuses, corals, and many more. Unfortunately we

are making them die; this also includes all the species living there. One of the main reasons that are causing coral reef destruction is climate change or “global warming”. Scientists and managers have

become really concerned about the future of our corals.

Even though many coral reefs are dying, there is a way to save them. How can you contribute? You help conserving water, help

reduce pollution, use only ecological or

organic fertilizers, dispose of your trash

properly, support reef-friendly businesses,

plant a tree, practice safe and responsible

diving and snorkeling , contact your

government representatives, and spread

the word. Help us rebuild our reefs!

Oil SpillsAn oil spill is the release of a liquid petroleum hydrocarbon into the environment, especially marine areas, due to human activity, and is a form of pollution.

OIL SPILLS“Oil spills can cause a tremendous amount of pollution due to the fact that it’s crude oil; and is toxic to animals even though it comes from nature.”

Major causes of marine oil leaks are negligent maintenance in drilling facilities, shipwrecks, and openings in the sea floor, between others. It’s important to be aware that these cause thousands of birds and fish to die. It’s complicated

to clean up these disasters, so the best solution is prevention. When they do happen, companies use special vacuum cleaners and inflatables, designed to absorb or move the crude

oil.

Destructive Methods of Fishing

Certain types of fishing methods destroy or damage the very seafloor habitats where fishes and many other seafloor animals reside. - Marine Conservation Institute

DESTRUCTIVE METHODS OF FISHING

Overfishing in action.

“One of the most important and dangerous things going on right now in the world is the happening of destructive methods of fishing.”

These are destructing our marine ecosystem, which may affect us long-term if we don’t change these habits soon. Some of the most detrimental techniques are cyanide fishing and bottom trawling.

It is crucial to be well informed nowadays. Our world has been changing fast enough for people to get lost in everything happening.

These don’t only affect the fish being caught, but also marine habitats, such as coral reefs. This is tremendously preoccupying, because these ways are mostly used in India

and the Philippines, where the world largest coral banks are located. 10% of these are gone, and if we don’t act soon much more will be gone in the wink of an eye.

“Overfishing is a huge issue in today’s society. It really actually means that the ocean is depleted by humans, so much that fish population fail to reproduce enough to survive.”It’s the result of negligent methods and ignorant workers. Over 10% of

fish population has been totally depleted, to the point of extinction.

Scientist consider this a warning factor, since they believe that if we

continue fishing at this rate we will completely break the ocean ecosystem to

the point of no return. They also believe if we want to avoid this, we have to

act now, and strongly. We can reduce commercial and destructive fishing,

protect key parts in our ecosystems, monitor and enforce, spread the word, be

informed, and most important, know where your fish comes from.

OVERFISHING