What is an ocean ecosystem?
The ocean is a large ecosystem that covers more than two-third of the Earth’s surface. This great body contains five geographical divisions; Atlantic, Pacific, Indian, Arctic and Antarctic. Motherland Sri Lanka is surrounded by the Indian Ocean. These great bodies are biological areas that contain living creatures such as aquatic organisms, microorganisms and coral reefs. Shallow and deep seas contain creatures that are adapted for certain temperatures and pressures. The combination of the blue coloured ocean surface and the waves, which flow in and out, make the seashore look beautiful. There is a huge biological service done by these small creatures and components that reside in the ocean, which no one talks about.
How are the depths of the ocean divided?
The ocean is blue because only blue light waves can reach the water below 45m – 200m. Underneath the ocean, where sunlight cannot penetrate, it is dark. Overall, the ocean can be divided into the Sunlit zone, Twilight zone, Dark zone, Abyssal zone and the Hadal zone.
The Sunlit zone is full of life. It contains plants that use sunlight to produce energy by photosynthesis. The Twilight zone is too dark for plants to inhabit but there is just enough light for the creatures living there, to hunt. Organisms such as Jellyfish and octopus live in this zone. The Abyssal zone is an area with high pressure created by the weight of H2O above. Deep-sea crabs species and isopods live in this zone. Lastly, the Hadal zone is the deepest region under the ocean. This is the region that lies within the trenches. Creatures such as Cusk Eels and Anglerfish live in this region.
How many marine species are there in the ocean?
According to marine scientists, there are between 500,000 and 10 million marine species in the ocean. All of these species help in developing the environment by performing specific roles which affect their survival.
Ocean ecosystem and its importance.
Phytoplanktons are microorganisms that contribute to generating half of the oxygen on Earth. The ocean consists of a great diversity of species. There are 0.5 to 10 million species in the ocean where bacteria and viruses make up most. Currently, 56 million people are employed in fisheries and in aquacultures. The ocean provides vital renewable energy where its tidal currents are used to generate electricity. Mangroves, sea beds, tidal marshes and other marine and coastal vegetation are among the most active carbon sinks in the world. The ocean absorbs a quarter of all the CO2 that organisms exhale into the air. In fact, 90% of additional heat present in the atmosphere, due to global warming, are stored in the ocean. Without the heating and cooling effects of the ocean’s currents, the temperature of the atmosphere cannot be balanced to sustain life in the future.
Why are Coral reefs important?
Coral reefs are known as “Rain Forests of the Sea”. Around 25% of marine species depend on corals. Coral reefs protect our coastlines from storms and erosions. Coral reefs are also sources of food and medicine. They also have a high economic value in the world.
How does the Ocean get polluted?
Marine animals, coral reefs and other species in the ocean are highly sensitive to slight pH changes. Coral reefs are particularly vulnerable to ocean acidification. Around 60% of Coral reefs are endangered by a combination of ocean acidification, ocean warming and other human contributed impacts. When corals get destroyed, there is no immediate chance for recovery due to their slow growth (3 inches grow annually). Tiny plastic substances which are added to the ocean have been a huge threat to marine life. Fish may swallow these substances which may lead to their death or disease them, as well as affect their reproductive system. More than 80% of marine pollution is due to human activities. Marine pollution is one of the factors which cause atmospheric temperature increase and climate change. Maintaining a clean ocean helps the air retain moisture so that we human beings can breathe healthily. However, due to accidental shipment wreckage of toxic substances, acidification of the ocean and a reduction in the production of O2 may arise. If life in the ocean dies, the human race will be in great danger. If we keep harming these precious resources, recovery and making up for the damage will take longer. Let us contribute to heal and save the ocean so that one day the world can be a better place for all kind.