The Ocean's Genes
In Our DNA
the world's economy. Society as it is wouldn't be able to run
without oceans and their business.
For example, over one third of the U.S Gross National Product
comes from coastal areas, approximately $700 billion. One of
Bueno, tal vez, tal vez Dios vivía en el mar
Well, maybe, maybe God lived in the sea
every six jobs in the U.S is marine-related. Industries include: fishing, mineral
extraction, marine transportation, and tourism among others. Coastal tourism
& recreation dominate both employment and GDP in the ocean economy
sectors with 1.7 million jobs (75%) of employment and nearly $70 billion
(51%) of GDP.
Consistent economic success highly depends on environmental sustainability;
in order to maintain sustainable fisheries, for instance, it is necessary to
protect fragile habitats by fighting garbage, debris (scattered fragments) and
all other pollutants that threaten the ocean's health such as chemicals
including pesticides and fertilizers. Over 80% of marine pollution comes from
land-based activities due to the fact that the sea has been utilized as a
dumping ground for centuries now. The hazards generated by these chemicals
deteriorate the quality and purity of the ocean's water and soil, as well as
infect marine wildlife which ultimately brings the pollutants back to us. This
cycle of toxic concentration in marine ecosystems begins with tiny organisms
at the bottom of the food chain such as plankton. These organisms absorb the
chemicals and are eaten by larger organisms which are then eaten by an even
larger one until the vicious cycle reaches the head of the food chain: humans.
Since every stage in the cycle has an increased chemical load, these toxic
substances have a negative impact on health and may lead to diseases such as
cancer.
Ocean's DNA