The ocean - the most mistreated place in our world

Researchers around the world are concerned about the health of our oceans. They are getting worse each day. There are three main problems that our oceans have to face: the reduction of oxygen levels, the increase in atmospheric temperature and pollution.

First of all, the increase in the temperature is disturbing the balance of the oceans. Warmer water is not capable of holding as much oxygen as cooler water does. In addition, the changes in the winds and water-currents caused by increased temperature make it difficult for air to dissolve into the water. Consequently, the reduction in oxygen levels is worse than scientists believed. Since 1950, the low oxygen zone in the ocean has increased by roughly 60%. Nowadays, this zone is greater than the continent of Africa. As a result, the coral bleaching (the loss of color and die) has been increasing. Before 1980, this event happened every 25 to 30 years but now researchers report a harsh coral bleaching every six years. If a coral reef dies all of the species that live within it will die too. A study performed over 100 areas of coral reef showed that only six areas didn't show signs of coral bleaching.

Additionally, pollution is another important problem that our oceans have to face. The presence of many different compounds threaten marine life. Plastic pollution is one of the worst. A single piece of plastic takes about 800 years to break down. Therefore, researchers have estimated that by 2050 the concentration of plastic in the oceans will be greater than fish.

Taking care of our oceans is so important because they support life and help maintain the balance of our planet earth. If humans can’t solve or ease these problems, the chance of an inhabitable catastrophe is very likely.