Overfishing, Damming, and Water Scarcity October 11, 2010
Posted by alexh1992 in Assignment 3.trackback
A.
How Global Warming Affects the Ocean
Global warming is currently affecting many parts of the Earth. Here, I specifically discuss how oceans are affected by global warming while using Elizabeth Kolbert’s article, A Darkening Sea as a reference (http://www.pacificviews.org/weblog/archives/002334.html). A major consequence of global warming on oceans is acidification. This process is occurring because of the large quantity of carbon dioxide that the ocean is absorbing. Therefore, the pH is decreasing. In the past, the ocean and the atmosphere have exchanged gases at an equal rate. However, now the ocean is absorbing more carbon dioxide than it is releasing. Not only is this undertaking irreversible, but also the ocean would still absorb carbon dioxide to reach a new equilibrium even if the release of carbon dioxide were able to cease. What is still not known is how life will react to this acidification.
http://graphics.stanford.edu/courses/cs348b-competition/cs348b-01/ocean_scenes/ocean2.gif
Problems and Prevention of Overfishing
Humans have an immense negative influence on oceans. One particular thing humans are guilty of is overfishing.
There are a variety of serious problems that result from overfishing (Kraycar http://web.bryant.edu/~langlois/coastal/overfishingeffects.htm). One is the loss of genetic diversity in an ocean. The issue with this is that the ability of a population to adapt to its environment greatly decreases. This can eventually lead to the extinctions of numerous species of fish. Consequently, the extinction of fish is another dilemma. In Molles’ Ecology, he voices “marine fish populations, which once seemed inexhaustible, are now all but gone and fishing fleets sit idle in ports all over the world” (Molles pp. 51). Coral reefs are also being affected by overfishing because there is now a superfluity of algae that is overwhelming them (Kraycar). Lastly, overfishing is also negatively influencing the diet of humans (Kraycar). A fifth of the human population relies on fish as a protein source. If overfishing continues to magnify, humans will have to find other accommodations for protein. Although there are many detrimental repercussions of overfishing, there are countless techniques to prevent it.
http://marinebio.org/i/bycatch.jpg
Being informed is one way to inhibit overfishing. For example, consumers and buyers need to know if the fish they are eating/buying are endangered (here is a list of fish that should be avoided http://www.fishonline.org/advice/avoid/). Another way to avoid overfishing is enforcing laws (countries have laws, but they are not enforced) about it (http://www.coral.org/node/130). The creation of more marina patrol areas can be utilized to watch for illegal fishing. Following the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Code of Conduct, which “has helped modify national fisheries laws by creating a Code of Conduct in cooperation with governments, NGOs, and industry in support of sustainable aquaculture, fisheries operations, fisheries management, fish processing, and trade” can additionally prohibit overfishing (http://www.coral.org/node/130). Finally, using safe fishing methods such as the “dolphin safe” method (specific for fishing tuna) to catch fish to avoid the collateral damage of other fish is again another strategy to put overfishing to a halt (http://www.allaboutwildlife.com/dolphins-whales/the-disturbing-facts-about-dolphin-safe-tuna/4298).
http://www.cottagesrus.com/images/marine%20patrol.jpg
Effects of Damming Rivers (specifically the Tigris and Euphrates)
Rivers have provided humans with “commerce, transportation, irrigation, and waste disposal” extensively throughout history (Molles pp. 68). Currently, humans are taking advantage of rivers. Turkey is specifically violating the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. Turkey has built 22 dams (i.e. Ataturk, Karakaya, and Keban) and 19 power plants “to [alleviate] Turkey’s electricity and agriculture needs” (http://www1.american.edu/ted/ice/tigris.htm). This is causing enormous tension with Syria, Iran, and Iraq because they also rely on the Tigris and Euphrates. However, Turkey controls most of the headwaters; inevitably, they have the upper hand in this situation. Not only is there political tension, but also there are negative ecological effects with the Tigris and Euphrates: elimination of the natural flow, alteration of temperatures, and disruption of the movement of migratory fish (Molles pp. 68). Damming a river undeniably creates a change in flow rate. This alteration “[results] in a flow rate that has a smaller range of values and peaks that occur at times related to need rather than the dictates of nature” (http://science.jrank.org/pages/1942/Dams-Impact-dams.html). This can eventually lead to a stop of flow beneath the dam completely. Another issue is temperature. Naturally, rivers change temperatures with the seasons. However, with dams temperature does not vary. Lastly, migratory fish are also suffering from the building of dams. This disruption is eliminating fish populations (http://www.ctriver.org/programs/restoration/fish_in_trouble/index.html).
http://archive.arabnews.com/2007/11/td1.jpg
B.
Water Scarcity
I have not personally been victim of a water drought. However, I imagine that my day-to-day activities would have to be adjusted. For example, I would not take excessively long showers nor leave the water running while washing dishes. I would also use rain barrels. I would consciously think about my water usage in order to conserve as much water possible. However, even if one was not undergoing water scarcity, I think that water should not be treated with superfluity in order to be ecological friendly. Though, if I were to experience water scarcity, I believe it would be because humans polluted my water supply that I relied on.
http://planetgreen.discovery.com/home-garden/rainbarrels.jpg
Societies do exist where water scarcity is a way of life. This can be because of economic and physical water scarcity. Either societies cannot afford the water (even if there is an abundant supply), or demographically there is not a sufficient water source for a society (http://maps.grida.no/go/graphic/areas-of-physical-and-economic-water-scarcity). However, despite water scarcity, some people choose to live in dry climates. For example, molds and dust mites thrive better in wetter climates versus dry climates (http://www.acaai.org/patients/resources/allergies/Pages/house-dust-allergy.aspx). Therefore, people with serious allergy conditions (i.e. chronic sinusitis) may choose to live in dry biomes to benefit their health.
Total World Population and Average World per Capita Water Availability
The total world population is predicted to increase by about 11,667 people from 1950 to 2050. The average world per capita water availability is predicted to decrease by 12,500 from 1950 to 2050.
Total world population and average world per capita water availability are inversely proportional to one another (as total world population increases, average world per capita water availability decreases).
The world population continues to climb each year because society is creating means to live longer (i.e. medicine, diet, lifestyle, ect.). Water is one of the resources that humans need for survival. However, there is a fixed amount of water available to humans. Therefore, the demand for water rises as the population grows.
If the predictions for world population growth and per capita water availability come true, there could possibly be more societies where people have to live with water scarcity.
http://whyfiles.org/131fresh_water/images/world_water.gif
I really liked how detailed you were with your comments on damming the Tigres and Euphrates. I also loved everything you said about over fishing. I talked about over fishing in the Great Barrier Reef, but I liked your more general overview, although you did touch upon coral reef overfishing. It was cool that you talked about ways we can eliminate (or at least attempt to) overfishing- by informing teens and things in schools because they are the next generation, etc. This sentence, “Coral reefs are also being affected by overfishing because there is now a superfluity of algae that is overwhelming them (Kraycar)” I thought was cool because you don’t usually think about this aspect of overfishing. One thinks about how there will be less fish in the ocean, but not about what happens without the fish such as algae build up and things. It really is a bad train of events.
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I agree with what you said about water, that it “should not be treated with superfluity” – it’s such a true statement. The environment is such a sacred thing, and water is one of the easiest things to conserve, so it’s a shame when people are cavalier about it. Here’s a link that will give you even more tips on how to conserve water:http://www.mahalo.com/how-to-conserve-water. Also, I think your response to why water might be scarce is interesting; it’s funny that the first thing you think of is human error when it comes to your water just proves that society has become so accustomed to other people ruining the environment. Your comment delineates that humans messing with the environment is an understood, normal everyday fact, which is terrible.
Alex I completely agree to your statement about stopping the damming of rivers! People do not realize how much they help us with transportation and trade. Here is a site you should check out with more information regarding river damming and how to stop it!
http://science.jrank.org/pages/1942/Dams-Impact-dams.html
I agree with your explanation of how global warming can affect the ocean. I also think you should consider the fact the the melting polar ice caps are adding water to the sea, resulting in the increase of water levels in the ocean. I did not know 1/5th of humans rely on fish as a protein source. Although there are numerous other consistant ways for humans to get protein, that is a very interesting fact. You make a great point about how even humans who are not experiencing droughts should still conserve as much water as possible. We should all treat our water as if we WERE in a drought.