Summary of Marine Biomes and Fisheries

Marine Biomes

Biggest Water Areas: Marine biomes are the largest areas of water on Earth, covering about 75% of the planet.
Oceans and Reefs: They include oceans, coral reefs, and estuaries (where rivers meet the sea).
Productivity: Oceans are super productive! They create about eight times more food (NPP) than all the land together.
Upwellings: Coastal upwellings bring up nutrient-rich water, which helps fish populations grow big and strong.
Light and Depth: The water's depth affects how much light gets through, which decides what plants and animals can live there.
Phytoplankton: The top 250 meters of the ocean is the richest part because it has lots of tiny plants called phytoplankton.

Important for People: People have relied on fish for food for thousands of years.
Protein Source: Fish make up about 16% of the world's protein for eating.
Fish-catching Methods: Fish are caught in many ways, from simple handlines to large boats and nets.
Fish Food: Not all fish are eaten; around 40% is turned into fish food for fish farms.
Preservation Choices: Some fish are sold fresh; most are frozen, canned, or made into oil.
Illegal Fishing: Catching too many fish makes it harder for fish to survive, and that’s a problem.
Australia's Fishing: Australia has a big fishing area, but the number of wild fish caught has dropped by about 62% in the last 10 years.

Less Food Production: Coastal areas are losing their ability to produce food because of low oxygen in the water.
Dead Zones: Pollution and nutrients from farms can create dead zones where nothing can live.
Trash in the Ocean: Lost fishing gear and plastics can trap and harm sea animals.
Big Ocean Vortexes: Ocean currents can trap garbage in large areas called gyres.
Acidic Oceans: When oceans absorb carbon dioxide, it changes the water’s chemistry, hurting shellfish and other animals.
Coral Reefs in Danger: Warmer oceans can stress coral and their algae friends, causing bleaching and weakening the reefs.

Now you know more about marine biomes, fish, and the problems they face! 🌊🐟