7.11.B: human dependence and influence on ocean systems

Describe

HUMAN DEPENDENCE AND INFLUENCE ON OCEAN SYSTEMS

Including, but not limited to:

• Water

• Food – More than half of all people depend on the ocean for their main source of food.

  • Human activity – fishing

  • Influence – overfishing specific types of fish

  • Impact – disrupted food chains 

• Oxygen – More than 50% of Earth’s oxygen is produced by the ocean.

  • Human activity – crop fertilization

  • Influence – supports the growth of algae

  • Impact – decreases the habitat for other microorganisms in the ocean

• Climate regulation – The oceans cover 70% of Earth’s surface and are the main source of evaporation in the water cycle.

  • Human activity – fossil fuel emissions

  • Influence – increased ocean temperatures / rates of evaporation

  • Impact – climactic change

• Transportation – 67% of all U.S. trade involves marine travel.

  • Human activity – oil shipping

  • Influence – oil spills

  • Impact – destroys habitats