May 22, 2013
Happy International Day for Biological Diversity!
Quick question: How do you feel about diversity? At Oceana, we believe that diversity is source of the strength and beauty of nature, and we celebrate Biodiversity Day every day. This year’s theme: Water and Biodiversity – hits very close to home (there isn’t any closer actually).
Water is the source of all life on earth, and the oceans are home to millions of species, most of which have yet to be discovered, much less identified. That’s why the work we do is so urgently needed. Protecting marine biodiversity doesn’t just benefit snorkelers, divers and underwater photographers. It is in fact, critical to the proper functioning of the marine ecosystems on which millions depend on for food, and jobs.
When a level of the marine food chain is removed, or weakened, it can throw the entire ocean off balance. An example of this is the growing number of jelly fish blooms we often read about in the summer months, which occur because too many of their predators have been fished.
Oceana fights hard to preserve marine biodiversity through the establishment and proper management of marine protected areas, and the adoption of sustainable fishing rules. I can’t think of a single argument against this. Can you?