Chapter 6 Ocean Resources
Open with Full Screen in HD Quality
Project on Ocean Resources
Ocean resources refer to the diverse range of materials,
energy, and biological products that the ocean provides. These resources
include:
1. Fisheries: The ocean is a
major source of fish and other seafood, which are crucial for global food
security and livelihoods of millions of people.
2. Minerals: The seabed
contains valuable minerals such as sand, gravel, phosphates, manganese nodules,
and precious metals like gold and silver.
3. Energy: The ocean provides
various forms of renewable energy, including wind, wave, tidal, and thermal
energy, which can be harnessed to generate electricity.
4. Oil and Gas: Offshore
drilling extracts oil and natural gas from beneath the ocean floor, providing a
significant portion of the world's energy supply.
5. Medicinal Resources: Marine organisms are a
potential source of pharmaceuticals and other medical treatments. For instance,
compounds from marine sponges and corals have shown promise in treating diseases
like cancer and Alzheimer's.
6. Transportation: The ocean is a vital route
for international trade, enabling the transportation of goods via ships.
7. Tourism and Recreation: Coastal areas and marine
ecosystems attract tourists for activities such as swimming, snorkeling, scuba
diving, and recreational fishing, contributing to local economies.
8. Biodiversity: The ocean
supports a vast array of species, many of which have yet to be discovered. This
biodiversity is not only valuable in its own right but also provides ecological
services such as carbon sequestration and maintaining healthy ecosystems.
9. Water: Desalination technologies
enable the extraction of freshwater from seawater, addressing water scarcity in
coastal regions.
10. Genetic Resources: Marine organisms contain
genetic material that can be utilized for various applications, including
biotechnology and genetic research.
Efficient and sustainable management of ocean resources is essential to ensure their long-term availability and to mitigate environmental degradation and overexploitation.