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Just like terrestrial animals, the creatures of the sea face myriad threats to their survival, both anthropogenic and natural, and many are in trouble. Our oceans appear vast and teeming with life, and until recently, were routinely viewed as containing infinite resources. In actuality, many marine species are decreasing at an alarming rate and are considered endangered.

What are some factors contributing to the extinction of marine species?

Marine species face a multitude of threats contributing to their extinction. Habitat destruction, primarily from coastal development, dredging, and coral reef degradation, reduces available habitats and disrupts crucial breeding and feeding grounds. Overfishing, driven by the demand for seafood, has led to the collapse of numerous fish populations, disrupting marine food webs and ecosystems.

Why are coral reefs important, and what threats do they face?

Coral reefs are vital marine ecosystems that support extraordinary biodiversity and provide essential ecosystem services. They protect coastlines from erosion and storm damage, support fisheries by providing habitats and nurseries for fish species, and contribute to global nutrient cycling. However, coral reefs face numerous threats, primarily from human activities.

What are the main threats to marine turtles, and how do these impact their populations?

Marine turtles face numerous threats throughout their life cycle, contributing to population declines and endangerment. Habitat loss and degradation, primarily from coastal development, disrupt nesting sites and foraging habitats, reducing the availability of suitable areas for nesting and feeding. Pollution, including plastic debris, chemical pollutants, and oil spills, poses significant risks to marine turtles through ingestion, entanglement, and habitat contamination, leading to injury, illness, and death. Bycatch in fishing gear, such as trawls, longlines, and gillnets, results in accidental capture and drowning of marine turtles.

What Is the World Doing to Stop Ocean Plastic Pollution?

It's clear that plastic pollution continues to be a very serious problem and that the oceans are increasingly at risk but what are people doing to stop it and how is innovation helping to combat this tricky yet pervasive issue? There are numerous initiatives to curb ocean plastic pollution at any one time, including everything from grassroots beach clean-ups to international agreements. One of the recent changes is the United Nations Environment Assembly's agreement in March 2022 to develop a legally binding treaty to bring plastic pollution to an end. It will still be years in the making but is a considerable step forward according to many. What's more, many organizations, such as Ocean Conservancy, are now calling for more dramatic changes to stop ocean plastic pollution, such as the reduction in production and consumption as well as outright bans on single-use plastics. Many are calling for a shift to a zero-waste circular economy as the only solution to a plastic problem that we can't recycle away.