Chapter 9: Oceans – ecosystems, ecosystem services, threats, and conservation
The oceans comprise almost three-quarters of the planet, but our familiarity with them varies tremendously depending on where we live and what we do. In this chapter, we will explore the ocean environment and its major ecosystems, the threats to water quality and ecosystem health, and measures to manage and conserve its resources.
Deepest thanks to Mr. Stephen (Chip) Glaholt of the O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs for a thorough review in very short order!
Learning Outcomes
After studying this chapter, you should:
- Understand the main processes acting in oceans
- Be able to describe major marine ecosystems
- Be familiar with the major threats to marine water quality and ocean biodiversity
- Understand the main methods of governing ocean resources sustainably
Chapter Outline
- 9.1 Ocean basics
- 9.2 Marine ecosystems
- 9.3 Threats to ocean health and biodiversity
- 9.4 Managing and conserving ocean resources
- 9.5 Case study – the High Seas Treaty
Media Attributions
- Convex reef crab. Kapoho tide pools. Hawaii © Vicky Meretsky is licensed under a CC0 (Creative Commons Zero) license
