Marine exam 4 study guide 2.0
Aliphatic hydrocarbons- Hydrocarbons based on chains of C atoms (double or triple bond)
Aromatic hydrocarbons - organic compounds that contain one or more aromatic rings
Ballast water - fresh and salt water used for stability in ships while voyaging
Bioaccumulation - process in which toxins enter food webs and get accumulated in an organism
Biological magnification - transfer/accumulation of substances via food web resulting in increased internal concentration in organisms
Breakwater - structure constructed at a coastal area to protect against tides, currents, waves, and storm surges
Coliform bacteria - rod shaped organisms present in the environment and feces of warm blooded animals and humans
DDT - an insecticide used in agriculture
Deepwater - part of the ocean below 200 meters depth, considered extremely harsh with low temps and high pressures
Horizon - apparent curve that separates surface of the ocean; boundary between earth and sky at sea level
Eutrophication - occurs when the environment becomes enriched with nutrients, increasing the amount of plant and algae growth to estuaries and coastal waters
Global warming - increase of the average temperature in the atmosphere and oceans over time due to primarily human influences
Hypothermia - drop in body temperature below 95 degrees fahrenheit
Hypoxic zones - a reduced level of oxygen in the water
Jetty - long, narrow structure that protects a coastline from currents and tides
Longshore currents - a burst of energy released from a wave reaching the coastline that generates a current that runs parallel to the shoreline
Longshore transport process - cumulative movement of beach and nearshore parallel to the shore by the combined action of tides, winds, and waves and the shore-parallel currents produced by them
Nonnative species - organisms that have been introduced to an ecosystem where they do not naturally occur
Ocean dumping - practice of disposing of waste materials ( garbage or pollutants) into the ocean
Pfiesteria - a microscopic organism that sometimes behaves like a plant or sometimes like an animal; believed to release some toxins into the environment
Photodegrade - substances that can be degraded by the action of sunlight
Polychlorinated biphenyls - a large group of manmade chemicals
Runoff - when the ground has reached its water absorption limit so left-over water flows downward back into water
Urchin barren - an area of subtidal where the population growth of sea urchins has gone unchecked, causing destructive grazing of kelp beds or kelp forest
Anchovies - type of fish that resembles herring but have a larger mouth and rounded belly
Aquaculture - the breeding, rearing, and harvesting of aquatic plants and animals
Backing down -
Bycatch - marine animals caught incidentally while fishing for another species
Deflecting bars
Desalination - any process that removes salts from water
Drift nets - series of rectangular lightwear nets joined end-to-end to form a very long vertical curtain of netting which hangs loosely in the water
Ecologically extinct - animals population drops so low that the species no longer effectively functions as prey, predator, or competitor in the community
Exclusive economic zones - coastal state has the right to exploit or conserve any resources found within the water, on the seafloor, or under the sea floors subsoil
Fishing effort - amount of fishing gear of a specific type used on the fishing grounds over a given unit of time
Fossil fuel - compound mixture of fossilized plant and animals remnants from millions of years ago
Genetic diversity - the biological variation that occurs within species
Incidental catch - portion of the catch that was unintentionally caught but retained
Landings - the catches of marine fish landed in foreign or domestics ports
Manganese nodules - a mineral type that forms by accerting in concentric layers around a fragment of some other rock or biological material called a nucleus
Methane hydrate - an “ice” that occurs naturally in subsurface deposits where temperature and pressure conditions are favorable for its formation
Monoculture - growth of a single crop or organism especially on agricultural or forest land
Ocean ranching - type of fish farming in which juvenile fish are released into the ocean to grow unprotected and unassisted to be subsequently harvested
Overfishing - catching too many fish at once so the breeding population is depleted
Polyculture - growth of two or more compatible plants or organisms and especially crops or fish in a single area
Potential yield - number of fish that can be extracted without reducing the base of fish stock
Purse seines - large wall of netting deployed around an entire area or school of fish
Raft culture - popular method in which seeded ropes are suspended from a raft set in a desirable site and depth in the inshore area
Renewable resource - those that can be replenished
Sea ranching - based on principle of using a marine ecosystem in specific sea areas through artificial reefs, etc in order to build or restore the intended place
Shellfish - any aquatic invertebrate animal having a shell and belonging to the phylum mollusca, the class of crustacea or the phylum echinodermata
Stocks - group of fish of the same species that live in the same geographic area and mic enough to breed with each other when mature
Sulfides - an anaerobic degradation product of chemicals containing sulfur
Surimi - a paste made from fish
Sustainable yield - number of fish that can be extracted without reducing the base of fish stock
Tagging - collect data on temperature, depth, and location, then transmit their data via satellite
Tans
TEDs - the turtle excluder devices promote sea turtle conservation by addressing interactions between sea turrets and trawl fishing gear
Trash fish - fish that is caught accidentally when searching for more popular varieties
Trawl nets - nets towed behind boats to collect organisms
Trawling - a method used to collect litter in the water through the use of nets or filters hanging from a moving boat
Study Questions
What are the different types of pollutants currently being dumped into the ocean? What is the most common type of trash found washed ashore? - plastic bottles, cigarette butts, food wrappers
What are some of the problems of ocean pollution associated with increasing population and urbanization? What are different ways urban pollution enter the oceans? - littering, illegal dumping, poor waste disposal practices, stormwater discharge and extreme natural events like tsunamis
What are the different ways plastic trash is troublesome to wildlife? - Thousands of seabirds and sea turtles, seals and other marine mammals are killed each year after ingesting plastic or getting entangled in it.
What are the problems of commercial dumping and military refuse to the marine environment? Give examples. What is a positive effect of military refuse? - Commercial dumping and military refuse in the marine environment can lead to habitat destruction, pollution, and harm to marine life. For example, military refuse, such as sunken ships, can create artificial reefs, providing new habitats for marine organisms.
What are some of the effects of toxic chemical compounds on plankton, fish and birds? (Hint: focus on DDT and PCBs) - Toxic chemical compounds like DDT and PCBs can bioaccumulate in plankton, fish, and birds, leading to reproductive issues, developmental abnormalities, and even death.
What are some potential problems of air pollutants on marine systems, such as sulfur dioxide and greenhouse gases? - Air pollutants such as sulfur dioxide and greenhouse gases can lead to ocean acidification, which can harm marine organisms like corals and shellfish.
What are the different types of petroleum products that can potentially pollute the world’s oceans? What happens when petroleum products are introduced into the marine environment? How might these affect marine organisms and the environment? - Petroleum products like crude oil, gasoline, and diesel can pollute oceans, harming marine life through oil spills, which can suffocate animals, poison them, or disrupt their habitats.
What was the largest accidental oil spill in history? How might oil spills be cleaned up?
The largest accidental oil spill in history occurred in 2010 when the Deepwater Horizon oil rig suffered a blowout, releasing millions of barrels of oil into the Gulf of Mexico. Oil spills can be cleaned up through methods such as mechanical containment and recovery, chemical dispersants, in-situ burning, bioremediation, manual cleanup, and the use of sorbents, with the choice depending on factors like spill size, location, and environmental impact.
Discuss the effects of nutrient pollution including that from human wastes and agricultural wastes. Give examples of each and how they can impact the marine environment.
Nutrient pollution, stemming from human and agricultural waste, introduces excessive amounts of nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus into aquatic ecosystems. Human waste, often in the form of untreated sewage or improperly treated wastewater, can lead to eutrophication, where nutrient enrichment causes algal blooms, oxygen depletion, and harmful changes in water quality. For instance, sewage discharge from coastal cities can fuel algal blooms, leading to oxygen-deprived "dead zones" like the one in the Gulf of Mexico. Agricultural runoff, containing fertilizers and animal waste, exacerbates eutrophication, as seen in cases like the Chesapeake Bay, where nutrient pollution from farms has triggered harmful algal blooms, impacting fish populations and water quality. Overall, nutrient pollution disrupts marine ecosystems, jeopardizing biodiversity, fisheries, and the overall health of coastal and oceanic environments.
How can pollution be controlled in the United States? What is currently the biggest threat to coastal water quality?
Pollution control in the United States involves a combination of regulations, enforcement, public awareness campaigns, and technological advancements. Regulatory measures, such as the Clean Water Act, set standards for pollution discharge and promote pollution prevention strategies. Enhanced wastewater treatment plants, stormwater management practices, and agricultural best management practices are employed to mitigate pollution from various sources. Currently, the biggest threat to coastal water quality is nutrient pollution, particularly from agricultural runoff and urban wastewater, which leads to eutrophication, harmful algal blooms, and degraded water quality. Addressing this challenge requires comprehensive efforts to reduce nutrient inputs, improve agricultural practices, and invest in sustainable wastewater treatment infrastructure.
What are the pros and cons of disposing of radioactive wastes in subduction zones?
Disposing of radioactive waste in subduction zones presents some potential advantages, such as the natural geological processes that can bury and isolate the waste deep beneath the Earth's surface, reducing the risk of human exposure. Additionally, subduction zones are characterized by tectonic activity that can carry the waste deeper into the Earth's mantle over time, further isolating it from the biosphere. However, there are significant concerns and drawbacks associated with this approach, including the potential for unintended consequences such as triggering earthquakes or volcanic activity that could release the stored radioactive materials back into the environment. Furthermore, the long-term stability of subduction zones is uncertain, and the transportation of radioactive waste to such locations would pose logistical challenges and potential environmental risks during transit. Overall, the feasibility and safety of disposing of radioactive waste in subduction zones require thorough scientific assessment and consideration of both short-term and long-term risks.
What are some of the effects of habitat destruction on marine ecosystems and the coastal environment? How are laws regulating development working to protect wetlands and other coastal habitats?
Habitat destruction in marine ecosystems and the coastal environment can result in the loss of biodiversity, destabilization of ecosystems, increased vulnerability to erosion and storm damage, and disruption of important ecological processes. Laws regulating development aim to protect wetlands and other coastal habitats by imposing restrictions on activities that may cause habitat destruction, such as dredging, filling, and construction. These laws often require permits for development projects in sensitive areas, along with environmental impact assessments to evaluate potential impacts on habitats and species. Additionally, regulatory measures may include habitat restoration requirements and setback regulations to minimize harm to coastal ecosystems.
What is biological magnification? How does it affect the toxicity of pollutants?
Biological magnification, also known as biomagnification, is the process whereby certain pollutants become more concentrated as they move up the food chain. This occurs because organisms at higher trophic levels consume prey with accumulated pollutants, leading to a buildup of toxins in their tissues. As a result, top predators, such as apex predators like sharks or humans, may experience the highest levels of pollutant accumulation. This can significantly increase the toxicity of pollutants at higher trophic levels, leading to adverse effects on the health and reproductive success of organisms, including humans, and potentially causing long-term ecological harm.
What is meant by climate change and global warming? What causes it? How may global warming affect species distributions, oxygen levels, coral reefs and weather patterns?
Climate change refers to long-term changes in temperature, precipitation, and other atmospheric conditions on Earth's surface, while global warming specifically refers to the increase in Earth's average surface temperature due to human activities such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation. These activities release greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane, which trap heat in the atmosphere and lead to the warming of the planet. Global warming can affect species distributions by altering habitats and migration patterns, reduce oxygen levels in oceans due to decreased solubility of gases in warmer water, cause coral bleaching and mortality in coral reefs due to increased water temperatures, and disrupt weather patterns, leading to more frequent and intense extreme weather events.
How are nonnative species introduced into marine systems?
Nonnative species are introduced into marine systems through various pathways, including ballast water discharge from ships, accidental release from aquaculture facilities, intentional release for aquaculture or biological control purposes, and through attachment to ship hulls or aquaculture equipment.
How does the introduction of non-native potentially affect native species and communities?
The introduction of non-native species can potentially affect native species and communities by outcompeting native species for resources, predation, spreading diseases, altering habitats, and disrupting ecosystem functions and food webs.
What are some impacts of development on beaches and other coastal areas?
Some impacts of development on beaches and coastal areas include habitat destruction, beach erosion, increased pollution, disruption of natural ecosystems, and heightened vulnerability to storm damage and flooding.
What are some of the problems associated caused by building breakwaters and jetties? Describe how natural longshore transport processes can be interrupted by building a breakwater and jetty?
Building breakwaters and jetties can lead to problems such as increased erosion in adjacent areas, altered sediment transport patterns, and habitat degradation. Natural longshore transport processes can be interrupted by these structures because they disrupt the movement of sediment along the coast, leading to sediment accumulation on one side and erosion on the other, affecting the natural balance of beach ecosystems.
How have marine fisheries changed over the past hundred years? (Hint: focus on fishing effort vs. catch; use of the catch; trophic levels caught).
Over the past hundred years, marine fisheries have seen significant changes, including a dramatic increase in fishing effort to meet growing demand for seafood, leading to overexploitation of many fish stocks. There has been a shift from targeting high trophic level species to lower trophic level species as larger predators have been depleted. Additionally, advancements in technology and fishing methods have increased fishing efficiency, leading to declines in many fish populations and the need for greater conservation measures.
How have fisheries become less efficient as the use of the catch (to feed humans vs. livestock)?
Fisheries have become less efficient as the use of the catch has shifted towards feeding livestock rather than humans, as it requires more energy and resources to convert fish into animal feed compared to direct human consumption.
What is the primary goal of fisheries management?
The primary goal of fisheries management is to ensure the sustainable use of fish stocks, balancing the needs of present and future generations while maintaining healthy marine ecosystems.
What types of information/data are needed to effectively manage a fishery? How do fisheries biologists acquire such data about fish populations or stocks?
To effectively manage a fishery, fisheries managers require information such as fish population size, distribution, growth rates, reproductive success, and mortality rates. Fisheries biologists acquire such data through various methods, including scientific surveys, stock assessments, tagging studies, genetic analyses, and data collected from fishing vessels through observer programs or electronic monitoring systems.
What is the difference between potential yield and sustainable yield? How is this concept used to maximize production of fish stocks?
The potential yield of a fish stock refers to the maximum amount of fish that could be harvested from the population under ideal conditions, while the sustainable yield is the maximum amount of fish that can be harvested without depleting the population's reproductive capacity over the long term. Fisheries management aims to maximize sustainable yield by setting catch limits and regulations based on scientific assessments of fish stocks, ensuring that harvesting rates do not exceed the population's capacity for replenishment.
Describe additional problems when attempting to manage habitats with multiple fisheries species. What is the advantage of using an ecosystem- or area-based approach to managing fisheries?
When managing habitats with multiple fisheries species, additional problems may arise due to competition for resources, interactions among species, and unintended consequences of management actions. An advantage of using an ecosystem- or area-based approach to managing fisheries is that it considers the interconnectedness of species and habitats within an ecosystem, allowing for more holistic and sustainable management strategies that account for ecosystem dynamics and the needs of multiple species simultaneously.
How many of the world’s fisheries are overfished or at their limit? What are the effects of overfishing on fish stocks in terms of genetic diversity, species diversity, and habitat changes? Give examples of each
Approximately 33% of the world's fisheries are overfished or at their limit. Overfishing can lead to reduced genetic diversity within fish populations, as large individuals are selectively targeted, potentially reducing the gene pool. Additionally, overfishing can cause declines in species diversity as certain species are depleted, disrupting ecosystem dynamics. Habitat changes can occur due to overfishing, such as the loss of important habitat-forming species like coral reefs or seagrasses, impacting associated marine life. For example, overfishing of cod in the North Atlantic has led to declines in genetic diversity within cod populations, reduced species diversity in marine ecosystems, and habitat changes due to the loss of cod as a keystone species.
Describe ways to control overfishing.
Ways to control overfishing include implementing catch limits and quotas, regulating fishing gear and practices, establishing marine protected areas, enforcing fishing regulations, promoting sustainable fishing practices, and supporting scientific research and monitoring of fish populations.
What is a disadvantage of using nets in harvesting fish? What specific species are commonly captured with each type of net?
A disadvantage of using nets in harvesting fish is the potential for high bycatch rates, where non-target species are unintentionally captured. Specific species commonly captured with different types of nets include shrimp caught with trawl nets, tuna caught with purse seine nets, and herring caught with gillnets.
What additional factors affect marine fisheries, including habitat destruction, different fishing practices, and wasteful practices. Give examples of each.
Additional factors affecting marine fisheries include habitat destruction (e.g., coastal development leading to loss of mangroves and wetlands), different fishing practices (e.g., bottom trawling causing habitat damage and bycatch), and wasteful practices (e.g., discarding of unwanted catch in shrimp trawling)
Discuss the problems with bycatch or incidental catch. What are the problems with using drift nets and trawling? How has bycatch been reduced with different types of fishing gear?
The problems with bycatch or incidental catch include the unintentional capture of non-target species, which can lead to population declines, ecosystem imbalances, and waste of resources. Drift nets and trawling can result in high levels of bycatch, including endangered species and juveniles of commercially important fish. Bycatch has been reduced with the use of alternative fishing gear such as selective trawls, circle hooks, and escape panels in nets, which allow non-target species to escape while targeting specific species more effectively.
What are several examples of successfully raised aquaculture species? What are the costs and benefits of aquaculture? Give examples.
Several examples of successfully raised aquaculture species include salmon, tilapia, shrimp, mussels, and oysters. The costs of aquaculture include environmental impacts such as habitat degradation, water pollution, and disease transmission, while the benefits include increased food production, economic development, and reduced pressure on wild fish populations. For example, salmon aquaculture provides a significant source of protein and income in regions like Norway, while shrimp farming supports livelihoods in countries such as Thailand and Ecuador.
Discuss problems associated with the fisheries of anchovies, tuna, salmon and shellfish. What are the problems with using purse seines? What is meant by “dolphin-free” tuna?
Problems associated with the fisheries of anchovies, tuna, salmon, and shellfish include overfishing, habitat destruction, bycatch of non-target species, and pollution. Purse seines can result in high bycatch rates of non-target species, including dolphins, turtles, and juvenile fish, contributing to ecosystem degradation. "Dolphin-free" tuna refers to tuna caught using methods that minimize or eliminate the bycatch of dolphins, typically by avoiding the use of purse seine nets associated with dolphin mortality in the past.
How is salt and water extracted from the oceans?
Salt and water are extracted from the oceans through desalination processes, such as distillation and reverse osmosis.
What are some of the mineral resources that are available in the oceans? Which are the most commonly extracted, non-food resources? What is the most widespread mining operation?
Some mineral resources available in the oceans include manganese nodules, polymetallic nodules, cobalt-rich ferromanganese crusts, and hydrothermal vent deposits. The most commonly extracted non-food resources are sand and gravel, used in construction and beach replenishment projects. The most widespread mining operation is for sand and gravel extraction, primarily used in construction activities and coastal engineering projects.
What is the most valuable energy resource extracted from the oceans? What is the largest known fuel reserve in the ocean? (hint: the answers to these two questions are not the same)
The most valuable energy resource extracted from the oceans is likely oil and natural gas, while the largest known fuel reserve in the ocean is methane hydrates.
What are potential problems associated with mining sand and gravel from the ocean and coastal regions? Give examples.
Potential problems associated with mining sand and gravel from ocean and coastal regions include habitat destruction, erosion, sedimentation, and impacts on marine ecosystems. Removal of sand and gravel can disrupt coastal habitats, affecting species that rely on these environments for feeding, breeding, and shelter. Furthermore, excessive extraction can lead to increased erosion and sedimentation, altering coastal landscapes and affecting water quality. For example, sand mining in beaches and nearshore areas can destabilize dunes, leading to beach erosion and loss of natural protective barriers against storms.
What are some of the costs and benefits of oil and gas extraction from oceanic deposits?
Costs:
Environmental degradation
Habitat destruction
Climate change contribution
Economic risks
Safety hazards
Benefits:
Energy supply
Job creation
Revenue generation
Energy security
Technological advancement