bwj31203_chapter2-28b-29

Chapter 2: Marine Resources

• Institutions: Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, Dr. Nor Atiqah Bt Norazlimi, atiqah@uthm.edu.my

Table of Contents

• Marine Biodiversity

• Utilization of Marine Resources

• Fisheries

• Coastal and Regional Development

• International Marine Policy

Utilization of Marine Resources

Classes of Marine Resources

• Physical Resources

• Marine Energy Resources

• Non-extractive Resources

• Biological Resources

a) Physical Resources

• Mineral Deposits

  • Key minerals: magnesium, sodium chloride, gold, nickel, copper, zinc, phosphorite, metallic sulfides.

• Petroleum and Natural Gas

  • Found beneath impermeable caprock.

  • Offshore drilling requires advanced equipment and is more costly than land drilling.

• Freshwater

  • Oceans contain ~1,457,000 cubic km of water (97.2% of total water resources).

  • Freshwater constitutes only 0.071% of Earth's water.

b) Marine Energy Resources

• Energy generated from the heat or motion of water.

• Includes tidal energy, wave energy, and wind energy; all are renewable.

c) Non-Extractive Resources

• Transportation

  • Historical significance in moving people and products, facilitating cultural exchange.

• Recreation

  • Diverse recreational activities: scuba diving, whale watching, surfing, sailing, jet-skiing, fishing.

d) Biological Resources

• Habitat for Organisms

• Provides food resources through fisheries.

Fisheries

• Unprecedented pressure on marine resources:

  • 50% of marine fish populations fully exploited.

  • 25% of fish populations overexploited and nearing extinction.

• Fisheries catch has leveled off since 1998 despite increased fishing efforts.

• Predictions estimate that all ocean species currently fished will collapse by 2048.

Global Fisheries Trends

• Data shows total global fisheries catch increased over time; specific metrics indicate depletion of large-bodied fish.

Overfishing and Its Impact

• Historical overfishing led to extinction of certain species (e.g., Steller's sea cow, Atlantic gray whale).

• Overharvesting effects include habitat destruction and eutrophication.

• Industrial practices like factory fishing and use of driftnets and longlines contribute to declines.

Bycatch Issues

• Bycatch refers to the accidental capture of non-target species during fishing.

• Practices like drift-netting and longline fishing result in substantial non-target deaths.

• Bottom-trawling severely damages marine ecosystems.

Effects of Industrialized Fishing

• Industrialized fishing led to drastic declines in fish populations; 90% of large fish eradicated within a decade.

• The ocean currently holds one-tenth of its historical large-bodied animal population.

Sustainability and Fisheries Management

Consumer Influence

• Buying sustainably sourced seafood can mitigate overfishing.

  • Ecolabeling guides consumers toward better choices, suggesting options like farmed catfish or sardines.

Fisheries Management Strategies

• Maximum Sustainable Yield

  • Ensure future fish availability through careful management.

• Ecosystem-Based Management

  • Focus on overall ecosystems rather than individual species, protecting habitats from human interference.

Regulation Limitations

• Includes total allowable catch (TAC), fishing licenses, subsidies, and marine protected areas (MPAs).

• MPAs can prove beneficial by promoting biodiversity and fish population recovery.

Coastal Zones

• Coastal zones extend 5 km inland from shore, shifting based on environmental features.

• High population density in coastal areas due to opportunities and natural resources.

Coastal Development and Issues

• Increased coastal urbanization (coastalization) raising questions about sustainability and environmental impact.

• Rising sea levels and climate change severely impact coastal ecosystems.

Marine Policy

• International marine policies and regulations are complex due to varying national laws and high seas management challenges.

• Key policies include the Fisheries Act 1985 and various international conventions aimed at marine biodiversity protection.