Aquatic Biomes

A REPORT CONCERNING THE HUMAN RAMIFICATIONS ON AQUATIC

BIOMES AND HOW THEY ARE BEING MANAGED

Musab Albarbari | Geography | 5/5/2021

Background and Location
Aquatic biomes are prodigious bodies
of water and are classified as the
largest of all biomes. As shown in the
map, aquatic biomes cover
approximately 71% of the Earth’s
surface.

Aquatic biomes consist of two types:

− Freshwater Habitat
− Marine Habitat

According to the University of California in Berkley, the temperature of water is cool at

the source of the channel, consequently being concentrated with oxygen. Moreover, the
water is clear, allowing for photosynthesis. This results in an abundance of flora such as
algae and planktons being present in that part of the channel. As a result, herbivores are
also present greatly. A supplementary input of energy comes from “organic material that
falls into the river or stream from trees and other plants that border the border the water”
(Fisher, 2021). When the matter decomposes, it leaves nutrients in the water. Throughout
the marine biome, the intertidal and pelagic zones are the parts of the ocean where light
can penetrate. These zones adapt to similar conditions as rivers and streams.

The temperature of lakes and ponds influences the animals that live there. Inside
the photic zone of a lake or pond, light may penetrate in. Phytoplankton can be
found here and perform photosynthesis, forming the foundation of the food chain
of lakes and ponds. These are eaten by the zooplankton, which transport the
energy down to the deeper parts where it is impenetrable by light. The benthic and
abyssal zones are the deepest parts of the marine biome, where it is below °C and is
completely dark. Another major limitation is the obscurity of light as one descends
deeper into a body of water. This can prevent photosynthesis from occurring, perforce
obliging autotrophs and other organisms to adapt to new methods of processing food,
such as chemosynthesis.

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) provides a comprehensive account of the
effect of temperature on aquatic life. As temperature increases, water dissolves minerals
from surrounding rocks, increasing its electrical conductivity and killing the organisms
living there. In addition, high temperature water consists of less dissolved oxygen,
therefore complicating photosynthesis.

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Human Alterations and Uses
Human intervention in aquatic biomes has perpetually altered the natural processes of this
planet. Freshwater habitats have been significantly altered through processes such as
industrialisation. Fewer changes are conducted upon marine biomes, however these
changes result in significant and profound ramifications to the health of the biome. Oil
spills are the main changes on a marine habitat.

Industrial Uses
Hydroelectric dams and irrigation projects are a chief influence on the alteration and
destruction of freshwater habitats. Dams serve as a source of sustainable electricity. They
block fish passages by changing the current flow, with as minimal as 3% of fish making
it across (Brown JJ, et al., 2013). The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
(PNAS) proposes that to preserve the stream health, releases of water from the dam
should imitate the river’s natural seasonal variability. This ensures that the biodiversity of
fish is preserved, with only small reductions in hydroelectricity production, as revealed
by an experiment in Umeå, Sweden.

Likewise, diverting irrigation water reduces adequate water for animals in the area and
alters the natural distribution of water into the aquifer. Over time, these changes will
result in the formation of new habitats in the impacted regions, but extreme disturbances
to the ecological balance have severe corollaries. As a result, laws have been proposed to
maintain adequate evapotranspiration water levels (the amount of water used by a crop),
while preventing alterations in the natural distribution of water. These laws include real
time calculations of the needs of crop yields for water, for example if a location
experienced precipitation, it wouldn’t require as much water.

Oil Spills

Oil spills can occur during

drilling, transportation, and
usage, and are a major cause to
the destruction of marine
habitats. Oil contains a variety
of poisonous chemicals. These
toxic compounds can cause
serious health issues such as
heart failure, stunted growth,
immune system damages, and
even death. By investigating the
impact of the 2010 Deepwater
Horizon oil leak, we have
gained a better understanding of Figure 1. Largest oil spills affecting U.S. waters since 1969-
2017. (NOAA/Office of Response and Restoration)

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oil toxicity. The Oil Pollution Act of 1990 established that those who cause the oil spills
are responsible for the clean-up and restoration. This has caused companies to be more
cautious with oil. Since the establishment of the law, experts have been instigating new
designs and renovations upon the booms, which are physical barriers that restrain oil
from spreading, to prevent leaking. In addition, the group responsible for the spill may
also be held accountable for restoring access to natural spaces, such as constructing
ramps.

Aquatic biomes are significant factors in our everyday lifestyles, from our food to our
water supply, etc… It is up to humanity to salvage these biomes and all its living
inhabitants, or carelessly discard them. All it takes is for people to make safe choices
such as making sustainable seafood decisions, use fewer plastic products, and appreciate
the privilege of having these biomes.

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