Preventing biodiversity reduction in the coastal zone Essay

Preventing biodiversity reduction in the coastal zone - Essay Example Biodiversity have three levels - genetic diversity (i.e. diversity of genes within a species and between species), species diversity (refers to the differences in populations within a species, between populations, and between the various species), and ecosystem diversity (refers to the various habitats, biological communities and ecological systems; also denotes differences within ecosystems) (Ecological Society 1997). An ecosystem remains stable and balanced due to the variety and richness of organisms and species. The relationship of the varied species within an ecosystem has been well documented that destruction or extinction of one species may affect other living things, which may even lead to the extinction of the other species in the ecosystem. Thus, preserving and protecting one species in a particular area is similarly protecting the rest of the species. This is equally true to land-based species and sea and coastal creatures. Biodiversity denotes ecosystem balance and surviv al of the species within the system. Degradation in Biodiversity Generally, the ecosystem remains balanced in its usual natural course. The imbalance occurs when outside elements interfere with the usual processes. Man has interfered with the natural ecosystem for a long time. One form of invasion is by establishing habitation in the coastal areas (Water ecology 2009). It is reported that an estimated two-thirds of the total population lives near or along the coasts (Water ecology 2009). In fact, wetlands and some coastal areas are being dried by people in order to reclaim land for urban expansion (Water ecology 2009). The wetlands are also converted for farming, mining, gas and oil extraction, and highways for land transportation (Water ecology 2009). Sewage run-off and toxic contaminants (e.g. pesticides, heavy metals) are passed to coastal zones that become concentrated over a period of time (Water ecology 2009). These chemicals threaten aquatic life and biodiversity. Over-fishin g of a certain species without proper regulation likewise degrades biodiversity (Water ecology 2009). The coral reefs, that comprise a great number of plants and animals, are important in the coastal ecosystem balance. Ten percent of the coral reefs worldwide are being destroyed by human beings and only half of the countries around the world are capable of protecting them due to the expense that it entails (Water ecology 2009). According to Island Resources Foundation (1996), tourism has a greater indirect contribution to the degradation of coastal waters in terms of oil, fertilizer and pesticide pollution. The foundation’s report cited the US Virgin Islands waters that received oil spills from motorized vessels such as yacht, ferry and cruise ship (Island Resources Foundation 1996). In the Sarasota Bay and the Corpus Christy National Estuary Program assessments, the care practices for golf courses and condominium resorts release nitrate and phosphate to the waters during run off of storm water (Sarasota, 1993, cited in Island Resources Foundation 1996). It was also reported that the top 20 percent of countries that depend on tourism (e.g. Cayman Islands, Northern Netherlands Antilles, Anguilla, etc.) suffered environmental degradation that include reef, mangrove and related ecosystem damages (e.g. damage caused by anchors, clearing of mangrove, use of dynamite, littering, etc.) (Hoagland, et al. 1995, cited in Island Resources Foundation 1996). An alteration in the coastal zone such as construction of piers and wharves which