Human Dependence on Ocean Systems

Front

What is fertilizer runoff?

Back

Fertilizer runoff is when fertilizer runs into a body of water, often due to rain or irrigation, leading to nutrient pollution.

Front

What happens when fertilizer runoff occurs?

Back

When fertilizer runoff occurs, it causes algae to grow rapidly in the water, leading to algal blooms.

Front

What is the process of removing salt from ocean water called?

Back

Desalination.

Front

What is overfishing?

Back

Overfishing is the practice of catching fish at a rate faster than they can reproduce, leading to a decline in fish populations.

Front

What is the impact of overfishing on marine ecosystems?

Back

Overfishing can cause an imbalance in marine ecosystems, disrupting food chains and harming other marine life.

Front

What is aquaculture?

Back

Aquaculture is the farming of aquatic organisms, such as fish, crustaceans, and plants, in controlled environments.

Front

How does nutrient pollution affect water quality?

Back

Nutrient pollution can lead to decreased water quality, causing issues like algal blooms, which deplete oxygen and harm aquatic life.

Front

What are algal blooms?

Back

Algal blooms are rapid increases in the population of algae in water bodies, often caused by excess nutrients from runoff.

Front

What is the significance of marine fisheries?

Back

Marine fisheries are crucial for providing food, supporting livelihoods, and maintaining ecological balance in ocean systems.

Front

What are the consequences of nutrient overload in oceans?

Back

Nutrient overload can lead to hypoxia (low oxygen levels), harming marine life and creating dead zones.