Human Impacts Study Guide — Simplified Notes

Plastic Pollution

Human trash like bags, bottles, and straws that ends up in oceans and waterways.

Microplastics

Tiny pieces of broken-down plastic that float in the ocean and are difficult to remove.

Biomagnification

The process where toxins build up in organisms as you move up the food chain.

Eutrophication

A process where excess nutrients cause overgrowth of algae, leading to low oxygen zones.

Dead Zone

An area in the water with no oxygen, leading to loss of marine life.

Toxic Algal Bloom

Algae that produce toxins harmful to marine animals; Red Tide is an example.

Runoff

Water that washes dirt, oil, and chemicals into the ocean, causing pollution.

Ghost Fishing

Lost or abandoned fishing gear that continues to trap marine life.

Bycatch

Unintentional catch of non-target species during fishing practices.

Three Main Types of Pollution

Plastic, chemical, and oil pollution affecting oceans.

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)

Designated ocean zones with restrictions on human activities to protect marine ecosystems.

Oxygen depletion

A condition caused by algae die-off where bacteria consume available oxygen, leading to hypoxia.

Fossil Fuels & Coral Bleaching

The release of CO2 from burning fossil fuels warms oceans and increases acidity, harming coral reefs.

Destructive Fishing Methods

Fishing practices like trawling and dynamite fishing that severely damage marine habitats.

Climate Change Effects on Oceans

Global warming and ocean acidification caused by greenhouse gas emissions impacting marine ecosystems.

Human Activities Causing Marine Pollution

Actions such as littering, farming runoff, sewage discharge, and oil spills.

Stakeholders in MPAs

Individuals and groups like fishermen and scientists involved in creating rules for marine conservation.

Coastal Urbanization

The development of towns and cities along coastlines, leading to increased pollution and habitat loss.