Our Impact on the Ocean

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Sponges, like the one shown above, play a crucial role in marine ecosystems by filtering water, cycling nutrients, and providing habitat for various species. Human activities like pollution, habitat destruction, and climate change are severely affecting sponges and other marine organisms.

Human history is inexorably linked with the ocean. Our reliance on it began thousands of years ago when ancient man first realized the bounty of the sea. From that time, seafood in the form of shellfish, birds, turtles, fish and whales has been a seemingly never-ending commodity harvested from the ocean. Unfortunately, there is a limit. As plentiful as the ocean once was, current fishing stocks have dwindled, species have become endangered and the harvest taken from the sea must be closely monitored. Through national and international restrictions and fishing regulations and informed consumers, the bounty of the sea has the potential to recuperate.

While humans have only been around for a few hundred thousand years, our impact on the Earth has been great. As we learn more about how our actions impact the ocean environment, we must also figure out ways to neutralize them. From personal choices to national movements, the future of a healthy ocean begins with you.

Investigating Our Impact on the Ocean will help you to:

understand the multiple ways humans impact the ocean.
explore innovative ways to preserve and rehabilitate the ocean and its resources for future generations.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Catherine “Cathy” Christopher has always been passionate about science, with a special love for marine biology.. While she once dreamed of studying whales, her fascination quickly shifted to the incredible world of invertebrates during her undergraduate studies at Bowling Green State University. She later earned her Master’s in Biology from Florida Atlantic University, where she also became scuba certified and gained hands-on experience with sea turtles, birds, and everything in between.

Cathy’s career has spanned from developing engaging K-12 science curricula to leading educational initiatives that make marine science accessible to learners of all ages. When she’s not crafting the next great science lesson, Cathy can be found underwater, exploring reefs across the Caribbean and Indo-Pacific. A certified dive instructor since 2017, she loves pointing out unique marine invertebrates and is always happy to help fellow divers identify their latest underwater finds.

Explore the entire course below. When you are finished with each section, close the window to return here.

Fishing

Pollution

Climate Change

Conservation

Supplemental Resources