Bridgit DeGroat

Professor Ferrara

Rhetoric and Composition

Multimodal Essay

6 May 2024

Protecting Our Oceans: A Call to Action

Marine biodiversity, encompassing a diverse array of species and ecosystems, is facing

unprecedented challenges due to the combined impacts of climate change and human activities.

As climate change and human actions escalate they are driving declines in marine biodiversity,

particularly affecting fish patterns and coral reefs. By exploring the interconnectedness of these

issues, it underscores the urgent need for immediate action to protect and preserve marine

ecosystems. Climate change and human activity is driving declines in marine biodiversity,

affecting fish patterns and coral reefs, emphasizing the importance of immediate action to protect

ocean ecosystems. According to the survey results, all participants were familiar with coral reefs

prior to taking the survey. Additionally, while 73% of respondents expressed concern about

environmental issues in general, only 20% reported active participation in environmental

initiatives such as conservation efforts. Thus, a significant number of students are aware of the

increasing environmental concerns but do not engage in taking action. Furthermore, one solution

is to implement stricter regulations on carbon emissions and promote renewable energy sources

to decrease the impacts of climate change on ocean ecosystems. Additionally, reducing pollution

from land-based sources, such as agricultural runoff and plastic waste, can help improve water

quality and protect marine life. Public awareness campaigns and educational initiatives can also

play a crucial role in creating a culture of conservation and encouraging individuals to make
environmentally conscious choices. By taking immediate action on multiple fronts, we can

protect marine biodiversity and ensure the health of our oceans for other generations.

In 'Vanishing Corals, Part Two: Climate Change Is Stressing Corals, but There’s Hope,'

Dr. Angela Colbert explores the alarming impact of climate change on coral reefs, underscoring

the urgency for immediate action to safeguard ocean ecosystems. As highlighted in the article,

coral reefs are not just visually stunning underwater landscapes; they are vital ecosystems that

support over a quarter of all known marine species, offer crucial protection to coastlines during

storms, and contribute significantly to local economies through fisheries (Colbert). The evidence

presented by NASA Climate underscores the gravity of the situation, attributing the observed

global decline in corals primarily to human actions (Colbert). This correlation reinforces the

assertion, emphasizing the interconnectedness of climate change, human activity, and the decline

of marine biodiversity. In Colbert’s exploration of climate change's toll on coral reefs, she makes

a heartfelt plea for action. By vividly portraying the beauty and importance of these underwater

ecosystems, she urges us to see beyond their surface appeal. Drawing on NASA's findings, she

drives home the message: human actions are driving coral decline. Through her words, she

sparks a sense of urgency and hope, reminding us that while the threat is real, so too is our power

to make a difference. Moreover, it underscores the imperative for concerted efforts to lessen the

detrimental effects of human activities on coral reefs and marine ecosystems as a whole.

However, it's important to note the intricate relationship between coral reefs and other

marine species, such as sharks. While sharks may evoke fear in some, they play a crucial role in

maintaining the health and resilience of coral reefs. By regulating the populations of prey

species, sharks prevent overgrazing on coral reefs by controlling the abundance of herbivorous
fish. This delicate balance underscores the importance of integrated conservation efforts that

consider the interconnectedness of marine species and ecosystems.

The absence of sharks in Caribbean reefs demonstrates the significant impact of human

activities on marine biodiversity, highlighting the urgent need for conservation efforts to alleviate

further degradation and preserve ocean ecosystems. As detailed in the research conducted by the

Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF), the methodology employed involved,

“underwater visual censuses to describe the contemporary distribution and sighting frequency of

sharks on reefs in the greater-Caribbean” (Ward-Paige). The article underscores a disconcerting

trend: “human pressures in coastal zones” have contributed significantly to the broad-scale

absence of sharks on reefs in the greater Caribbean (Ward-Paige). The absence of sharks in

Caribbean reefs is a reminder of how our actions impact marine life. Through research from the

Reef Environmental Education Foundation, we learn that human activities along the coast are

driving sharks away. This isn't just about losing a predator; it disrupts the entire ecosystem. By

highlighting this trend and linking it to broader discussions on climate change and human

impact, we're urged to take action to protect marine biodiversity. This conclusion serves as a

crucial reminder of the far-reaching consequences of human activities on marine ecosystems.

The decline of shark populations not only disrupts the delicate balance of marine food chains but

also undermines the health and resilience of coral reefs, further intensifying the challenges faced

by already imperiled ecosystems. This aligns with the broader discussion surrounding the critical

impacts of climate change and human activities on ocean ecosystems, emphasizing the urgent

need for concerted conservation efforts to minimize further degradation and preserve marine

biodiversity for future generations.

 Furthermore, the decline of coral reefs on a global scale is a pressing concern, driven by a

combination of factors such as climate change, pollution, overfishing, and destructive fishing

practices. As highlighted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), “Increased ocean

temperatures and changing ocean chemistry are the greatest global threats to coral reef

ecosystems” (Environmental). Therefore, as air temperatures increase, so do sea temperatures.

This rise in temperature stresses corals, leading them to expel the tiny algae responsible for

providing essential nutrients. Consequently, without these algae, corals lose their vibrant

coloration, resulting in a condition known as coral bleaching, which exposes the white calcium

carbonate structure beneath the polyps (Environmental). This information, obtained from the

EPA's research, vividly illustrates the direct impact of climate change on coral reefs and

underscores the urgency for immediate action to mitigate these threats. The EPA's findings align

with a broader understanding of the critical role coral reefs play in marine biodiversity and

emphasize the need for concerted efforts to address the root causes of their decline.

Various organizations are providing initiatives and resources to actively involve

individuals in the mission of ocean conservation, presenting a wide range of opportunities for

advocacy, education, and action in support of marine conservation. The Marine Conservation

Institute, as outlined in their mission statement, “is dedicated to safeguarding marine ecosystems

globally through science-based approaches and strategic partnerships” (Marine). Their efforts

focus on preserving biodiversity, advocating for sustainable fishing practices, and establishing

marine protected areas. This commitment underscores the critical importance of collaborative

efforts in protecting and preserving the ocean's delicate ecosystems. Additionally, the Marine

Conservation Institute emphasizes the significance of healthy marine ecosystems as the “Earth's

biggest life support system” are essential for human survival and well-being (Marine). By
learning information from credible sources like the Marine Conservation Institute, individuals

can gain a deeper understanding of the importance of ocean conservation and the tangible actions

they can take to contribute to this vital mission. The practical initiatives and actionable steps

offered by organizations like the Marine Conservation Institute serve as inspiring examples of

how collective efforts can make a meaningful difference in safeguarding our ocean for future

generations.

In conclusion, the intricate relationship between climate change, human activity, and the

decline in marine biodiversity emphasizes the pressing need for immediate action to protect our

ocean ecosystems. As discussed throughout this essay, the detrimental impacts of climate change

and human-induced actions on marine life, particularly coral reefs and fish populations, highlight

the urgency of addressing these issues. By supporting initiatives like marine-conservation.org

and actively participating in ocean conservation efforts, individuals can play a crucial role in

safeguarding the health and resilience of our oceans for future generations. It is imperative that

we heed this call to action and prioritize the protection of our ocean ecosystems, recognizing

their indispensable role in sustaining marine life and contributing to the well-being of our planet

as a whole. Together, through our dedication to preserving marine biodiversity and safeguarding

the long-term health of our oceans, we can create a brighter and more sustainable future for all

beings and the environment.

 Works Cited

Colbert, Angela, Ph.D. "Vanishing Corals, Part Two: Climate Change Is Stressing Corals, but

There’s Hope." NASA Climate, NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, 8 Nov. 2023,

https://climate.nasa.gov/explore/ask-nasa-climate/3290/vanishing-corals-part-two-climate-c

hange-is-stressing-corals-but-theres-hope/.

Environmental Protection Agency. "Threats to Coral Reefs." EPA,

www.epa.gov/coral-reefs/threats-coral-reefs, 28 Feb. 2024.

Marine Conservation Institute. "Mission." Marine Conservation Institute, Marine Conservation

Institute, https://marine-conservation.org/mission/.

Ward-Paige, Christine A., et al. "Large-Scale Absence of Sharks on Reefs in the

Greater-Caribbean: A Footprint of Human Pressures." PLoS ONE, vol. 5, no. 8, 5 Aug.

2010, p. e11968. Gale Academic OneFile,

link.gale.com/apps/doc/A473878527/AONE?u=a04fu&sid=bookmark-AONE&xid=87b5c5

bc. Accessed 23 Apr. 2024.