Ways to Protect the Environment

Overview | Coastal Development | Introduced Species | What is Being Done?

What is Being Done?

What is being done to protect marine habitats?

Research, education, and new laws promoting conservation have provided many ways to protect marine habitats successfully. Scientists studying marine organisms use their data to inform lawmakers about specific habitats that require protection. The more we research marine ecosystems, the more we learn about how best to protect it. Educators play a large role by teaching people about the importance of protecting marine habitats.

The Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 protects marine mammals and their habitats by prohibiting both the removal of marine mammals from the United States and the transport of marine mammals into the United States from other countries. The Endangered Species Act, passed in 1973, protects threatened and endangered species so that they may not become extinct. There are also many state and local laws which control building along the coast, pollution, littering, storm water and runoff. Ships that travel in and out of foreign ports are required to exchange their ballast water in the open ocean in an effort to prevent new species from invading coastal ecosystems. These laws and efforts to educate people about the effects that their decisions have on the ocean have led to some progress in the effort to protect marine habitats.

Of course, establishing Marine Protected Areas, such as the National Marine Sanctuaries, helps to protect habitats.

In some cases, preventing introduced species is being taken very seriously. In the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, no one is allowed to set foot on these pristine islands without following strict protocols that include bringing new shoes and freezing gear.

Research Links Related to Protecting Habitats:

• Alaska Native Harbor Seal Commission
  Native Alaskan programs for conservation and preservation of Harbor Seal.
   
• Alaska SeaLife Center -- Harbor Seal
  Photo gallery, scientific and environmental research, causes of decline.
   
• Ballast Water
  Basic Info and Fact Sheets from the MIT Sea Grant, Center for Coastal Resources
   
• Caribbean Conservation Corporation -- Green Sea Turtles
  Teacher resources, coloring pages, online newsletter for kids.
   
• Green Sea Turtle - Conservation Issues and Status
  Basic facts with a focus on conservation status and conservation organizations.
   
• NOAA -- Arctic Theme Page -- Polar Bear
  Discussion of how climate change is affecting Polar Bear populations.
   
• NOAA - Green Sea Turtle with Photos
  Species description and links to recovery plans from the Federal Registry.
   
• NOAA - Lionfish Invasion!
  Interesting story and video about an introduced species--the Lionfish.
   
• NOAA -- Marine Debris Program
  Outreach program and education (Marine 101 class) about marine pollution and clean up off New Hampshire coast.
   
• Penguin Science
  How giant icebergs, disappearing sea ice, and shifting weather patterns are affecting penguins. Has a penguin cam plus video and lots of images.
   
• Stop Rats! - Protect Alaska - Rats are Bad News for People and Wildlife
  Impacts of Rats on Alaskan Islands  how boat owners are working to keep their islands rat-free