Recent studies by the
University of British Columbia of various seabird populations have reflected a
significant decrease since 1950. Current populations (of which around 19
percent of global seabirds were analyzed) diminished to only 30.5 percent of
what existed in 1950, or numerically down by about 230 million fowl. This
significant decrease reflects a more widespread ecological problem, as seafowl
numbers mirror the health of the world’s marine ecosystems. Factors leading to
the demise of these critical animals include overfishing, pollution, climate
change, and destruction of habitat.
A possible solution touched upon in the article is the
creation of an international seabird conservation group to lobby for more
funding, research, and awareness to save seabirds. Until we understand these
birds on a deeper level, we cannot effectively save them. Setting up more bird
conservatories could further efforts to rescue these birds’ populations by
giving them a home that cannot be touched.
Even though these solutions seem effortless, a huge barrier
would be gaining access to funding. With thousands of other more pressing
environmental issues, this unknown problem would be thrown out by significant
funding grants. Without proper monetary aid, there is no way seabirds would be
able to receive research to allow scientists to fully understand the seabirds
and how to save them from extinction. Personally, I believe seabird populations
reflect the health of our oceanic ecosystems; therefore, scientists should
focus on the sea life populations, which, when in balance, will increase the
seabirds. I think it is sad that certain countries have overfished our seas to
the brink of environmental collapse and now other sectors of our environment
are being adversely impacted.
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ReplyDeleteLack of Funding
ReplyDeleteI agree that our current situation--the widespread disregard for environmental issues such as this--is sad. Through my research on environmental concerns, I have also concluded that the lack of necessary funds to support efforts to resolve humans' impact on the planet serves as the most prominent barrier to environmentally-friendly strides.
The Saddening Truth
ReplyDeleteThis article was very eye-opening. I totally agree that the seabird population is directly linked to the marine ecosystem. Therefore, considering the significant decrease in the seabird population, it could possibly mean that the fish population is decreased. It is a saddening truth that necessary funding for this environmental problem seems out of reach. I found in the article that hundreds of thousands of seabirds die each year from longline fishing hooks. It would be great if we could place some laws to reduce the amount of fishing. Therefore, not only would hundreds of thousands of seabirds be saved, but also it might replenish the marine population. However, this seems very unrealistic due to the demand for seafood around the world.