Examine the impact of marine pollution on coasts and coastal ecology. Also discuss conservation methods to clean coasts.
Answers
Marine pollution could be defined as introduction of substances in Marine environment which becomes harmful or poisonous to the supported biodiversity. Common causes of marine pollution includes Oil Spills, dumping of wastes and untreated sewage water and industrial effluents etc.,
Impact of marine pollution :
1) Dumping of plastic and other wastes affects the ocean biodiversity like fishes or water birds which feeds on plastics
2) Oil spills results in increase in BOD which affects the marine organisms life. It also causes sludges in the coast and bad stench in the adjoining regions. There is a threat of fire and reduced catch for fishermen. e.g., Chennai Oil Spills
3) Discharge of hot water from power plants reduces the the fishes in the coastal region which affects the livelihood of coastal communities
4) Eutrophication and red algae becomes a common feature due to sewage water discharge.
5) Discharge of ballast water results in spreading of non-native species e.g., Snow flake corals in west coast of India
6) Destruction of marine ecology like mangroves which acts as natural buffer against tsunami or storm surges
7) Coral reefs are heavily affected due to marine pollution which acts as lifeline to various organisms in the coast
Conservation methods
1) Strict rules should be framed on discharge and dumping of untreated wastes in coastal areas.
2) Local communities must be included in conservation process.
3) Development of coastal ecology which includes mangroves plantation
4) Increasing education and awareness about conservation of coastal areas. Regular cleanups, rallies would generate a lot of awareness.
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