The view of the seas and oceans is truly incredible and beautiful, but its great riches lie deep within. The natural resources found inside these enormous and infinite masses of water are very varied. These are known as marine resources and are the most important natural treasures that the ocean has.
Marine resources, what are they?
It is a series of elements that are classified as living and non-living, which are found within those of the oceans. Marine resources have a great economic and exhaustive value, which is why they are normally exploited by man.
These resources considered natural treasures They are very varied and their value is not only economic, but also ecological. Even so, they are not inexhaustible, because during their massive exploitation it causes enormous environmental impacts. Which also translates into significant economic losses for humans.
What are the types of marine resources?
There are several types of marine resources, these have increased over time with the help of the implementation of new technological methods. Since then, the different varieties of these resources can be classified as follows:
living species
When it comes to marine resources, living species become the most exploited resource by fishing industries. The exploitation process is carried out through various methods such as traditional fishing, industrial fishing, shellfishing and also aquaculture.
Some data obtained from the UN indicate that both fishing and aquaculture are responsible for providing up to 15% of fish. This translates to more than four billion people around the world enjoying this animal protein. Algae are also considered living resources, they are very important in the manufacture of alcoholic beverages, cardboard, paper and in the preparation of food.
minerals
Hydrocarbons are among the most exploited resources today, this to obtain natural gas and oil. Although the exact amount of reserves found under the ocean is currently unknown. At least 30% of the gas and oil obtained comes from the seas and oceans. Besides, you can get other minerals such as gold, diamond and tin.
energy
Various types of energy can also be obtained from the sea, the tides, high concentrations of salt, waves, currents and thermal differences are examples of this. What becomes a great benefit that could allow supplying part of the current energy demand.
Ecosystems
Within this large body of water known as the ocean, there is a wide variety of ecosystems. In fact, these are the largest biodiversity reserves on the entire planet. Some 250,000 marine species inhabit different aquatic ecosystems, such as coastal lagoons, coral reefs, mangroves, estuaries, etc.
Communication
Both the seas and the oceans have become a path that allows entering international waters. During the first expeditions on ships, navigators used these routes to discover new places. So it is also a fundamental part of the economy of the whole world.
It is not just communication channels so that commercial ships can transport certain goods to various countries. Submarine cables are responsible for carrying up to 95% of telecommunications worldwide.
Tourism
On the other hand, marine and coastal resources are also important pillars within the tourist activity of many regions. Depending on the area, activities such as surfing and diving have become quite popular in recent years. Especially in those places that have large stretches of beach and, above all, excellent environmental quality.
What is the importance of marine resources?
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Conserving and using marine resources pdf in a responsible and sustainable manner has been attached to the SDG since 2013. Before that date, at no time had the importance of marine resources and the conservation of oceans and seas been subject to debate.
The conservation of these resources is very important for the environment and also for the planet. When there is an imbalance in the management of marine resources, this causes serious ecological and economic damage as a result of overexploitation.
Therefore, their importance is so great that measures must be implemented to ensure that they are used sustainably. Since they are natural treasures that allow the operation of many services worldwide.
Conservation of marine resources
Using these resources sustainably is just the first step in conserving marine resources. As mentioned in the previous part, the implementation of measures is essential to preserve the oceans and the life that inhabits them.
– One of the most crucial measures is to increase the extent of marine and coastal areas that are already under protection.
– Maintain balance during the exploitation of these resources. In the case of fishing, it is important to reduce the capture of species that have been significantly affected by overexploitation. At least until their numbers increase again, although this could last for many years.
– Carry out various campaigns that serve to make the population aware of an issue as important as fishing resources. In this way, it is possible to ensure that people can use and consume them in a sustainable and responsible way.
– Encourage participation in sustainable aquatic and coastal tourism, making sure to protect the environment from negative impacts. This will be very beneficial so that new generations have access to these resources and can enjoy them.
– Carry out activities that promote awareness about such a worrying issue, such as climate change. This phenomenon has a negative impact on the seas and oceans, and can even seriously harm the biodiversity of these bodies of water.
marine resources examples
Today, there are several countries that have a great diversity of this type of resource, many of which are in danger of disappearing. These are the marine resources examples:
Chili
In the case of Chile, one of the most exploited resources is a living species known as anchoveta. This species is used in the preparation of a variety of fishmeal. It has also become an export product to other regions, this would be used to feed salmon. However, in the northern part of Chile this species is overexploited, while in the southern part the specimens are practically extinct.
Costa Rica
Undoubtedly one of the countries that has most promoted the conservation of this type of resource. For some time they have practiced sustainable fishing at a recreational and commercial level. In addition, several aquaculture projects have already been started that will help with the raising and consumption of various specimens of shrimp and fish.
peruvian sea
The marine wealth found in the Peruvian sea is simply unique and wonderful. In very few places in the world can you find so many specimens of crustaceans, molluscs, algae and fish. In fact, the exploitation of fishing resources is very important for the economy of this country.
Panama
There are many marine species that are on the verge of extinction in Panama. Overexploitation has wiped out species such as manta rays, white shrimp, sea cucumber, specimens of sharks and sea turtles. Fishing activities have been so massive that they are currently dedicated to aquaculture, especially trout and marine shrimp.
Sources:
ecologygreen
guidefishingresources
nationalgeographicla