Environmental Politics: Oceans and Their Challenges

Oceans

Vast ecosystems with unknown complexities.

Fishing Extinction Prediction

All fished seafood species may be extinct by 2050.

Regenerative Capacity

Oceans cannot replenish fish populations fast enough.

Coastal Development

Accelerated development impacts fishing habitats negatively.

Diesel Ships

Transport method contributing to ocean pollution.

Trawling

Fishing method depleting stocks and harming ecosystems.

Territorial Limit

200-mile limit restricts fishing to certain areas.

Climate Change Effects

Warming oceans lead to habitat loss for species.

Ice Dependent Species

Species reliant on ice losing habitats due to warming.

Krill

Small crustaceans losing food sources from melting ice.

Plastic Pollution

Inorganic matter accumulating in oceans, harming ecosystems.

Microplastics

Plastic that breaks down into tiny, harmful particles.

Recycling Rate

Less than 9% of plastic waste is recycled in the US.

Top-Down Approach

Government-led initiatives to manage marine environments.

Coastal Zone Management Act

1972 US law for coastal resource management.

CITES

UN treaty to protect endangered marine species.

Law of the Sea

1982 UN convention governing oceanic rights and responsibilities.

International Whaling Convention

Established in 1946 to regulate whaling practices.

Zero Waste Movement

Grassroots initiative promoting waste reduction and recycling.