Altered Oceans, Part Two

Summary

This video highlights the environmental crisis facing marine ecosystems, emphasizing the harmful effects of human pollution. Sewage runoff in Florida is devastating coral reefs, with algae blooms replacing coral. Manatees are threatened by toxic algae, while plastic pollution is ravaging remote Pacific islands, choking seabirds like albatrosses. From the spread of plastic pellets in coastal areas to the toxic red tide affecting wildlife, the video paints a grim picture of ocean health. Despite some efforts to clean up, pollution continues to escalate, urging urgent action to protect marine life and restore fragile ecosystems.

Takeaways

• 😀 A 40-year-old statue, the Christ of the Abyss, stands off the coast of Florida, symbolizing divine protection for divers.
• 🌿 Coral reefs in Florida, particularly near Liu Key, are dying due to nutrient pollution from sewage and agricultural runoff.
• 💧 A major sewage outfall near Hollywood, Florida, is contributing to the destruction of coral reefs by delivering excessive nitrogen, exacerbating algae growth.
• 🐠 Florida's coral reefs have seen a dramatic loss of 95% of Elkhorn coral over the past two decades, which is part of a wider decline in marine health.
• 🐋 Manatees, once abundant in Florida's waters, are now classified as 'threatened' due to the deadly effects of red tide algae blooms.
• 🚫 Red tide is causing manatee deaths by releasing brevetoxins that damage their nervous systems, leading to lethal conditions in the animals.
• 🔬 The frequency, intensity, and duration of red tide events are increasing, with pollution and farm runoff possibly contributing to these dangerous blooms.
• 🌊 Beach cleanups in Hawaii reveal a growing accumulation of plastic waste, much of which is brought to beaches by ocean currents.
• ♻️ Charles Moore's research revealed that much of the ocean's plastic debris is in the form of tiny pellets, originating from industrial sources like rail yards.
• 🌍 The Midway Atoll, a remote island in the Pacific, is heavily impacted by plastic waste, with albatross chicks often dying due to consuming plastic debris.
• 🐦 Albatrosses on Midway Atoll often ingest plastic items like lighters and toothbrushes, mistaking them for food, which leads to dehydration and starvation.

Q & A

What is the main environmental issue affecting Florida's coral reefs?

The main issue is nutrient pollution from sewage, septic tank leaks, and agricultural runoff. These pollutants cause algae blooms that are overtaking coral reefs, leading to their decline and loss of biodiversity.

How have sewage and farm runoff affected the underwater ecosystem at Loo Key?

The pollution has caused a 'phase shift' from coral-dominated ecosystems to algae-dominated ones. Over the past two decades, Loo Key has lost more than 95% of its coral, severely affecting the health of the reef.

What is the 'Poop Shoot' and how does it contribute to the problem?

The 'Poop Shoot' is a nickname for a sewage outfall pipe near Hollywood, Florida, that discharges millions of gallons of partially treated sewage into the ocean. This increases nitrogen levels, which promote algae growth and further damage coral reefs.

What effect does red tide have on marine species like manatees?

Red tide releases brevetoxins into the water, which are toxic to marine life. Manatees, when they come up for air, can inhale these toxins, causing severe nerve and tissue damage, leading to death. In 2005, 88 manatees died from toxic shock during a red tide event.

Why is the manatee population in Florida considered threatened?

Manatees are classified as threatened due to a combination of natural and human-induced threats, including red tide, watercraft collisions, and habitat loss. Their population has been negatively impacted by these factors.

What is the significance of the Hawaiian islands in addressing ocean pollution?

The Hawaiian islands act as a major collection point for oceanic debris, including plastic waste. Volunteer groups and organizations are working to clean up beaches and raise awareness about the ongoing problem of marine plastic pollution.

How did Charles Moore contribute to understanding ocean plastic pollution?

Charles Moore's research highlighted the massive scale of oceanic plastic pollution. During a high-seas survey, he found not only large plastic debris but also small plastic pellets that are commonly used in manufacturing. His work has helped raise awareness about the issue.

What are the effects of plastic pollution on seabirds, particularly on Midway Atoll?

Seabirds, such as albatrosses on Midway Atoll, ingest plastic debris that they mistake for food. This plastic fills their stomachs, preventing them from consuming real food and leading to dehydration, starvation, and death. Many dead birds are found with plastic items in their stomachs.

What role do storm drains and rivers play in spreading plastic pollution into the ocean?

Plastic waste, especially plastic pellets, often enters the ocean through storm drains and rivers. These waterways act as conduits, transporting plastic from coastal cities into the ocean, where it accumulates in large gyres like the North Pacific subtropical gyre.

What is the prognosis for the future of ocean plastic pollution according to experts?

Experts, including Charles Moore, predict that plastic pollution in the ocean will likely worsen before it improves. Despite ongoing efforts to reduce plastic waste, the sheer volume of debris entering the ocean suggests that the problem will continue to escalate in the coming years.