MARINE POLLUTION: PART II

Topics

Exploration Summary Environmental Group Marine Pollution In Exploration Where Pollution Is Most Common Pollution Impacts To The Ecosystem Action Steps To Avoid Pollution Findings Help In Minimizing Pollution

Gulf of Mexico Deep Sea Habitats

12-Day Mission

Exploration of deep sea creatures

Various corals especially in areas used by oil industries

Algae, crabs and brittle stars are widely present along with many light requiring plants.

Mission Statement Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

“The enduring mission of the program is to encourage and enable others to act effectively in protecting and restoring the nation's wetlands and associated ecosystems, including shallow open waters and free-flowing streams” (EPA, 2012, Para. 1).

Type of Marine Pollution Runoff/Overflow Pollution

When it rains or snowmelts on land, the water flows towards the rivers and then sea, carrying and bringing pollutants Fertilizers Oils Bacteria

Oil Spills Caused by accidental leaks or explosions in drilling sites

Excess of Pollution

Too much human activities in this area.

Areas used for the petroleum industry should be protected properly in the Gulf of Mexico.

Highly polluted are the areas in deep regions where mining is done too much and also in the shore areas.

What the Marine Pollution Have Impacts On The Surrounding Ecosystem?

Runoff PollutionBacteria and virusesTrashPesticides and chemicals

Oil SpillsToxic to marine animalsDisturbs feeding, reproduction,

developmentAffects all marine life, from birds to

mollusks

Protection Against Overflow/Runoff

Overall community level Protecting strips Ponds preservation Developing wetlands Porous preventing

materials Sediment fences Growing plants Signs on storm drains

Individual level Growing plants in bare

areas Appropriate dumping of

harmful wastes Careful utilization of

fertilizers and other chemicals on lawns

Dumping of trash appropriately

Organize neighborhood cleanups

Reprocess and reuse of recyclable materials

Protection Against Oil Spills

Different and substitutes of oil, power sources

Use more resources to develop new technology

Laws and Rules by government Prohibit offshore drilling

Minimizing Reoccurring Incidents New procedures and steps to stop pollution

from reoccurring (i.e. constructed wetlands, recycling)

Natural resources are needed to be discovered from the areas other than the ocean

Developing a roadmap for alternatives to minimize water pollution.

Conclusion

12-Day mission conducted as a channel to decrease ocean pollution

Alternatives applied by groups and individuals

Everyone should strive for reducing pollution

Eco-friendly resources should be used to minimize pollution for future.

References Biello, D. (2011). Scientific American. How did the BP oil spill affect gulf coast

wildlife? Retrieved 8 June 2012 from http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=how-did-bp-oil-spill-affect-gulf-of-mexico-wildlife-and-ecosystems&page=2

Environmental Protection Agency. (2012). Retrieved from http://water.epa.gov/type/wetlands/about_about.cfm#anchor1093687

Fredericq, S. (2009). The wonderful world of seaweeds. National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved from http://oceanexplorer.noaa.gov/explorations/03mex/background/seaweeds/seaweeds.html

Hickerson, E., & DuPuy, S. (2009). Connecting the dots. National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved from http://oceanexplorer.noaa.gov/explorations/03mex/background/connectivity/connectivity.html

Klein, K. (2010). Voice of America. President Obama promises changes to prevent future oil spills. Retrieved 8 Jun 2012 from http://www.voanews.com/content/us-attorney-general-to-survey-oil-spill-damage-95319984/118689.html

References continued NOAA. (2009). Mission plan: “Gulf of Mexico deep sea habitats.” Retrieved from

http://oceanexplorer.noaa.gov/explorations/03mex/background/plan/plan.html

NOAA. (2009). Northern Gulf of Mexico deep sea habitats 2003 . Retrieved from http://oceanexplorer.noaa.gov/explorations/03mex/welcome.html

NOAA (2012). Nonpoint Source Pollution. Retrieved 8 Jun 2012 from http://oceanservice.noaa.gov/education/kits/pollution/05areas.html

United States Environmental Protection Agency. (2012). What is nonpoint source pollution? Retrieved from http://water.epa.gov/polwaste/nps/whatis.cfm

Young, S. (2010). Oil spill affecting marine life, top to bottom. Retrieved from the Human Society website on 8 Jun 2012 from http://www.humanesociety.org/news/news/2010/06/oil_spill_affeting_marine_life_062310.html

Image References

WebGovernments. (2011). Retrieved June 11, 2012 from http://webgovernments.wordpress.com/2011/12/06/marine-pollution-and-the-eco-system/

Green Living Earth. (2010). Retrieved June 11, 2012 from http://www.greenlivingearth.net/category/oil-pollution/

Calhoun, M. (n.d.) Retrieved June 11, 2012 from http://www.thedailygreen.com/environmental-news/latest/bp-gulf-oil-spill-sea-turtles-0611

Eco Curb Signs. (2012). Retrieved June 11, 2012 from http://ecocurbsigns.com/stormdrainmarkers.html

Rockwall ISD. (n.d.) Retrieved June 11, 2012 from https://wiki.rockwallisd.org/groups/mstoddart/wiki/8c513/