Marine turtle populations have declined drastically over recent years and now of the known 7 species, all are considered protected under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). By acknowledging the bleak situation we have created for sea turtles, multi-national programs have began to collaborate resources in an effort to protect the nesting grounds and ocean habitats needed for a recovery of marine turtle populations.

Many factors have contributed to the decline including the over harvesting of eggs, destructions of habitats, pollution, fishing nets, and contact with ocean vessels. These actions combined with the low survival rate of hatchlings due to predators, have escalated the need to provide a working program to address the situation.

In the Philippines and Indonesia, Green turtle eggs are being poached and collected at unsustainable record highs. Entire ecosystems deteriorate with the loss of sea turtles as eggs and even decaying hatchlings help provide nutrients to areas that lack other natural means of plant production. Also, marine grasses are dependent on grazing animals such as sea turtles, to maintain a healthy production of wide spread grass beds, as opposed to taller blades that block out sunlight to the ocean floor. These sea beds provide shelter and sustenance to many other marine animals and the decline of the sea turtle has consequences for them all.

Some species, like the Pacific leatherback, are at a critical level with fewer than 500 females coming home to nest on the beaches of Mexico and Costa Rica. Alongside natural threats, poaching appears to be the top cause of their decline. Because some females take 30 years to mature, the effects of over harvesting and fishing can take years to remedy.

Although sea turtles have struggled recently, many conservation groups are putting in time and resources to help their plight. A new agreement has been laid out to coordinate efforts to increase and protect turtle populations. 27 signatories to the agreement are giving a broader picture of efforts and accomplishments being put forth to meet population goals.

The United Nations Environment Programme’s, Douglas Hykle, states “Participating countries have made progress in many areas, but there is still room for improvement. Many have yet to clearly describe their resource needs and to mobilize sufficient funding for domestic implementation; and only a few are carrying the burden of supporting international coordination efforts.”

One effect of sea turtle conservation can be seen in the increase in population of the Kemp’s ridley sea turtle. Though, down to just 700 nests in 1985, the Kemp’s ridley turtle has made a comeback thanks to efforts by the Mexican government to curb illegal harvests and lower the effects of shrimp trawlers.

Loggerhead turtles, off the coast of South Africa, have increased greatly over the past four decades with some 1,750 nests compared to a low of only 250. Loggerhead and other sea turtles are important because they have been known to carry as many as 100 different species of plants and animals in and upon their shells, being directly responsible for the survival of many different marine species.

Over the course of Earth’s history, many animals and plants have become extinct and it is only natural. Recently, though, dramatic changes created by humans are forcing the rapid decline in many vital species of marine plants and animals. As outlined above, many of these animals are vital to the health and future of thousands of other marine species. By acknowledging the problem exists, we can begin to address beneficial steps to change the course of current events. The Bali conference that is taking place shortly, will help to further examine the recent UNEP report about sea turtles and being to change the communication of participating countries and organizations.

Native fish species have evolved over time to counter threats of bacteria, fungus, disease, and other native predatory species.  By adapting to the gradually changing environment, many of the species present today have became extremely robust in dealing with external pressures.  Until fairly recently though, native U.S. fish species have had little reason to adapt to the habits and threats of other species half way across the globe.  Now, with the addition of new species to U.S. waters, fish and plants have new challenges that they are not equipped to handle.

Recently, the Associated Press, has published information concerning the introduction of red lionfish from the Indian Ocean, into the coastal waters of Florida and the Caribbean.  Though a magnificent looking marine fish, the red lionfish population is beginning to swell and create problems for smaller native reef fish.  With poisonous spines and a voracious appetite, lionfish will consume any fish and crustaceans small enough to fit inside its mouth.

Not only is the lionfish a disaster for local marine life, the sting from the poison spines can be extremely painful for any person unlucky enough to get in its way.  This poison is a great defense for the fish, as very few larger species are able to consume the red lion, and rarely will a predator make the mistake twice.

Fisherman and divers in areas experiencing an increase of red lionfish, are being encouraged to catch and report any sightings.  These actions may help to control the outbreak, but it is very unlikely to have a profound effect on the numbers.

Since water quality and composition varies greatly around the world’s oceans, with the exception of the red lionfish, marine animals rarely become a problem that cannot be controlled by natural processes.  On the other hand, fresh bodies of water are much more susceptible to damage by “out-of-town” animals.

Salmon along the Snake and Columbia rivers, are quickly declining in population due to non-native species consuming large amounts of the food sources and eggs.  The spread of parasites is also of great concern.

Quite ironically, the bass and walleye causing these problems, were introduced by biologists to provide a better environment for sport fisherman. Since recreational fishing provides funding in the form of licensing and taxes, stocking these game fishes was not thought to cause harm. Now, efforts to reduce the number of these game fish, have proven unsuccessful. The rate of reproduction out numbers any progress made my biologists and anglers to decrease the numbers of bass and walleye.

These new species are very well tailored to life within new reservoirs created by hydro electric dams.  While bass, shad, and walleye flourish in the large open waters, salmon prefer the swift flowing waters of rivers and streams.

While developing ways to create clean energy and new opportunities, we must be sensitive to the outcomes of any changes made to the current surrounding habitats. Though hydro power is an abundant source of power, and man made reservoirs can increase the volume of water for fish and crustaceans, not all animals are effected the same. When non-native species find local waters well suited to their survival, many native species can be lost in the transition. Proper research and a little bit of restraint will help to keep native species thriving. Most of these situations can be avoiding by following local laws and regulations governing the release of non-native species into water sources.

In Rio De Janeiro, Brazil more than 400 baby penguins have been found dead along the shore. Penguins from Antarctica are being swept from their shores and deposited further north along the South American coast. Strong ocean currents have always brought penguins here but never in the heavy numbers of the past two months.

Local scientists and veterinarians site a number of reasons for the hundreds of dead and dying penguins that they are seeing. The largest oil field in Brazil, Campos, lies just offshore and contributes to a number of penguins that arrive covered in oil. Many believe that pollution is causing these young penguins to become weak. The baby penguins do not have the power to swim against the growing strength of the Antarctica waters. Pollution further destroys the immune system and makes these animals more susceptible to bacteria and disease.

Over-fishing may also play a part. Penguins are being forced further and further to find food. Venturing far from home is causing these penquins to become victims of ocean turbulence. Global warming is also being blamed. The effect on ocean waters is causing greater frequency and magnitude of ocean storms. According to Dee Boersma, a University of Washington zoology professor, shifting ocean currents and temperatures are keeping sardines, anchovies and squid further north causing the penguins to travel further. Starving penguins are common and mothers are having to leave their nests to find food.

Penguins that can be saved are brought to the Niteroi Zoo and nursed back to health. The government regularly returns the Penguins to Antarctica. The military is used to airlift the penquins back south.

This week, new reports are coming out on the state of the ocean habitats and reefs surrounding the United States. The National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration has released the contents of their study which has included at least 270 scientists working throughout the US. The results give us a reason to worry about the future of our oceans. Over half of the coral reef habitats are being classified as being in fair to poor condition.

The biggest factor is the warming of the ocean waters around the United States. Corals and reef building organisms are extremely sensitive to these warmer waters and have began to die off sharply in recent years. The warming waters are to blame in other ways also. Hurricanes are becoming more frequent and striking with a greater magnitude. These high winds and powerful waves destroy entire areas of corals. The loss of these corals reefs will take thousands of years to repair. Of course, the main contributer of this global ocean warming, is man. The overfishing and taking of marine animals is adding to our problems to preserve these habitats. Added tourism pressure is also taking its toll on these reefs and the fish needed to sustain populations.

The burning of fossil fuels has kept America strong, but the effects of pollution have not been enough to persuade us to change our ways. Now we are seeing the effects first hand. Pollution and fuel burnoff is allowing the greenhouse effect to warm these oceans and create very acidic waters that are quickly killing valuable marine life. We clearly need to take drastic measures to ensure our oceans continue to support life as our seas are the livelihood of many people around the world.

With all the bad news, comes a lot of good news. This study also shows us many things that are being done right now to address these issues. Though it is just a start, it is quite likely the most important step in finding a solution to our oceanic environmental problem. No-take areas are being erected in the Florida Keys and fishing regulations have been revamped in the area of Puerto Rico. Studies and education are continuing to spread the plight of our declining marine habitats, which is attracting funding of more valuable steps to be planned and executed. We have began to create our base for fixing this dilemma, but much more work needs to be done before we can breath easy.

For more information visit the Center for Coastal Monitoring and Assessment website.

CCMA Website
The 2008 Report
Maps of affected areas

Also, check out Reef Relief for great articles about our oceans and reefs.

Who owns Antarctica? This is a question that doesn’t come up very often but could be very important in the future. Since there is no permanent population, it appears that nobody does. Why not move to the south pole and stake your claim on your piece of the pie. Not so fast…..

The southern Antarctic Peninsula region was first confirmed in 1820 and by 1840, Antarctica was established as a continent rather than just a group of big islands. Many countries set up scientific labs and camps throughout the 20th century leading to claims of ownership. This continued until 1959 when the Antarctic Treaty was signed securing claims, but neither denying nor confirming these claims. This allows certain countries to essentially stake their future claim, should the Antarctic region to be opened up for development or resources. Because of the circumstances involved with owning rights to an undeveloped continent, many countries(those not benefitting) do not acknowledge the current claims.

The Antarctic Treaty, which took effect in 1961, outlined the management of Antarctica and meetings continue to dictate how Antarctica is administered. Currently, 46 treaty member nations participate in the periodic meetings. Of the 46 members, 28 hold decisive voting powers. 7 members hold these voting powers and claims to actual ownership of parts of Antarctica. The United States and Russia do not acknowledge the claims of others though they do hold voting powers.

This agreement spelled out many things for the future of Antarctica, paying close attention to knowledge instead of exploitation. Toxic waste, weapons testings, and destruction of flora and fauna has all been prohibited. This helps to keep this pristine corner of our earth as untouched as possible. Declarations for the free flow of scientific information and unconditional oversight continue to keep the waters and land free of the pollution that other continents deal with daily. Tourism and economic interests are minimal and help to promote a future healthy Antarctica for future humans.

In a way, Antarctica belongs to everyone. It is one, if not the only, of the last untouched areas on our beautiful planet. If the world can continue to exercise restraint in the development of Antarctica, we can continue to enjoy and learn from this region for years to come.

For more information about the ownership of Antarctica, check out the links below.

http://www.discoveringantarctica.org.uk/9_claims.php

http://geography.howstuffworks.com/antarctica/geography-of-antarctica5.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antarctic_Treaty