برجراف عن how to keep the environment clean

 

برجراف عن how to keep the environment clean

 

برجراف عن حماية البيئة

برجراف عن البيئة للصف الثالث الاعدادي

برجراف عن environmental problems

برجراف عن تأثير تغير المناخ على البيئة

برجراف عن the effect of climate change on the environment

موضوع عن مشاكل البيئة بالانجليزي

موضوع عن البيئة وكيفية المحافظة عليها

How to keep the environment clean

برجراف عن climate change للصف الثاني الاعدادي

 

 

 

 

Environmental problems

 

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Environmental issues and threats

 

Human activity has had a major negative impact on the marine environment, especially in recent decades. The sea and its biodiversity are affected, in particular by the nature and scale of these activities.

 

For example, due to pollution caused by marine litter and eutrophication, seawater quality has changed over the past decades. Climate change also has an impact on the temperature of the sea and increases its acidity. Fishing is also a very important problem due to overfishing and its consequences on the seabed.

In addition, noise levels in the water are changing as a result of works in wind farms, navigation, sand extraction, defense activities, recreation... Finally, native biodiversity is also in decline while several invasive alien species have appeared, making life for native species even more difficult.

 

The Marine Environment Service is constantly looking for specific solutions to these problems. Each of us can also play a positive role for a healthier sea!

 

Marine litter

Overfishing & bycatch 

Destruction of habitats and decline of marine species

Invasive alien species

Underwater noise

Ocean acidification

Eutrophication

Climate change

Soil disturbance

Marine litter

 

Marine litter is any solid man-made material that ends up (in)directly or (un)intentionally in the marine environment.

 

Wastewaste is a growing problem across all seas and oceans, a problem considered a significant threat to our environment

 

Every year, worldwide, an average of 8 million tonnes of plastic waste ends up in the sea. This represents one full truck per minute!

 

Origin of waste

 

All this waste comes from the sea and the land. The activities at sea that can constitute a source of marine litter are, in particular, navigation, fishing, aquaculture, etc. Abandoned fishing nets are an example of extremely problematic marine litter.

 

 

© Vilda

 

Land-based waste can end up in the marine environment through rivers, sewers or water purification facilities, or simply through the wind. A large part of the waste found on the beaches comes from tourist activities. During fireworks, festivals, sporting events and the opening of bars, massive amounts of trash are dumped on the beach. With the popularity of these events, the amount of waste continues to increase.

 

 

© Vilda

 

plastic waste

 

The North Sea also faces the problem of marine litter. About 90% of the waste in our North Sea consists of plastic waste. Plastics are synthetic polymeric substances known for their durability or long life, which means that they remain in the environment for a very long time. Some substances only degrade after 450 years while small fragments such as microplastics or nanoplastics never completely disappear. This continuous influx of plastic waste leads to its accumulation in the marine environment and its elimination requires decades, even centuries.

 

 

 

Marine litter poses a major threat to the marine ecosystem and marine biodiversity. Fish, birds, sea turtles or marine mammals regularly become entangled in abandoned nets. Many animals consider marine litter as food and thus fill their stomachs with it. As a result, they eat less healthy food and they become weaker.

 

 

 © Unsplash en Vilda

 

In addition, various toxic substances such as persistent organic pollutants, as they say in scientific jargon, easily bind to microplastics. The more plastic animals eat, the more these toxins accumulate in their bodies. This process is called bioaccumulation . And this problem gets worse as you go up the food chain. This is because plastics and the toxic substances associated with them do not disappear when you eat them. This process of accumulation within a food chain is called biomagnification . It is an important process for humans given our position at the top of the food chain. We therefore unconsciously absorb plastic and toxic substances when we eat a fillet of fish, especially when we consume fish species higher in the food chain, such as tuna or salmon.

 

 

 

What are the authorities doing?

 

Federal authorities are tackling marine litter through the Marine Litter Action Plan . This action plan, with a very broad scope, focuses on the prevention of macro and micro marine litter, whether from the land or the sea. It aims to raise public awareness and awareness of the problem of litter sailors. It includes measures to prevent marine litter at source as well as measures to clean up plastics at sea and to monitor compliance with legislation. It relies on intensive collaboration and invites all the partners concerned, at national and international level, public authorities and industry, to assume their responsibilities. The Marine Litter Action Plan thus contributes to the achievement of the United Nations objectives in terms of sustainable development.

 

 

© European Commission

 

The Marine Environment Service has been supporting the “  Fishing for Litter  ” project for several years now. The fishermen bring back the waste in “big bags” to be treated on land. This awareness-raising action makes it possible to avoid litter in fishing nets. In addition, this project contributes to the protection of fish stocks, a fundamental aspect for the sustainability of the fishing profession.

 

Of course, the Marine Environment Service also takes care of the removal of waste in and around the wrecks. In 2019, it was the West-Hinder which "went to cleaning". 4.5 tons of debris were thus recovered. In 2021, it's the turn of the SS Kilmore wreck. Already, divers are hard at work clearing away all the waste.  

 

And you, what can you do?

 

On our website lamercommencechezvous.be , you will find a whole series of tips and sources of inspiration to make a difference and act in favor of the North Sea.

 

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Overfishing & bycatch

 

More and more fish are being caught due to ever-increasing demand, the development of better fishing techniques and ever-larger vessel sizes. When fishing boats catch more fish than are needed to ensure the conservation of the species, we speak of overfishing.

 

Overfishing is one of the main problems facing the European Union's Common Fisheries Policy. For this reason, the EU sets fishing quotas per country and per species and the PPC is also responsible for the sustainable management of the fishing fleet and the establishment of a sustainable transition in the sector. Beyond an ecological problem, overfishing is also an economic problem Fish stocks of commercial species such as cod, sole and plaice have declined sharply in recent decades. Once fish stocks are depleted, many fishermen will be unemployed.

© C. Ortiz Rojas and WWF (Rudolf Svensen)

 

Bycatch

 

Along with the problem of overfishing, there is also the problem of unwanted bycatch in fishermen's nets. These seizures generally concern specimens that are too small, but other species such as crustaceans, molluscs, starfish, and even marine mammals and seabirds are affected. Currently, bycatch is generally thrown overboard. However, these animals often die from their injuries. In the case of marine mammals – mainly porpoises – fishermen must report bycatch to the competent authority, the MUMM (the North Sea Mathematical Model Management Unit) which monitors the evolution of these figures. .

 

Since 1 January 2016, the discarding of by-catches and undersized fish is prohibited throughout the European Union through the landing obligation. Although small fish are not yet fit for consumption but they have to be declared in order to get a correct estimate of fish stocks. The European Commission determines to which species of fish this regulation applies, what the exceptions are and for how long these provisions apply.

 

In the beam trawl fishery, bycatch accounts for 40-75% of the total catch. In shrimp fishing, it can be up to 85-90%. This situation leads to a considerable deterioration of certain species, such as the flat oyster, the bottlenose dolphin and the thorny ray.

 

What are the authorities doing?

 

By adopting measures in the field of fisheries, Belgium, in consultation with other Member States, plays an active role in protecting the marine environment against the impact of fishing in sensitive areas.

 

In 2015, for example, the Flemish authorities passed a new law prohibiting the use of gillnets. On the coast, they posed a suffocation hazard to porpoises and seabirds.

 

And you, what can you do?

 

Choose fish caught or farmed sustainably, with labels such as MSC and ASC. These labels guarantee that the fish you eat comes from a sustainable source.

 

Use schedules based on fish behavior to make environmentally friendly choices. These calendars indicate in which areas and when it is best to buy fish so that the impact on stocks remains minimal. During the mating season, the fish should be disturbed as little as possible so that they can reproduce optimally.

 

If you see illegal nets on the beaches, you can report it to the Coast Guard so that they remove them and no animals get tangled in them unnecessarily.

 

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Destruction of habitats and decline of marine species

 

The North Sea is increasingly frequented and the pressure on the space reserved for nature is felt more strongly. Habitat loss occurs when the habitat needed by animals and plants deteriorates dramatically or even disappears. Most oceans are under stress, especiallyaround coastal areas . These places are densely populated and there are many human activities there: tourism, industry, ports, transport and housing exert strong pressure on these places. © Vilda  Coastal areas are valuable because they usually contain important habitats. Dunes, marshes, estuaries, mudflats, and salt marshes frequently serve as spawning grounds, breeding grounds, or foraging. They therefore play a key role in the life cycle of many species. The loss of habitats or the disappearance of a key species from a habitat often has a major impact on biodiversity since it can also lead to a reduction in ecosystem services . The influence of man is also felt at sea . Activities that disturb the bottom, such as fishing, construction of wind farms and sand extraction, have led to the total disappearance of the oyster beds that once existed off the Belgian coast. Gravel beds have also been severely disturbed, leading to a decline in biodiversity. Due to the agitation of the gravel, the species present were destroyed without having the opportunity to develop again. We now only find these species in places that are naturally protected from disturbance due to their location. For some extremely vulnerable species, such as the European flat oyster and dead man's thumb, it's already too late. They are on the way out. © Depositphotos Climate change has major effects on the sea. It increases the temperature of the water and its acidity. Nitrogen pollution and invasive alien species are in turn significantly altering the characteristics and species composition of our North Sea. You will find more information on the protection of habitats and species in the conservation objectives of the Marine Environment service and the royal decrees on the procedures and protection of species .

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What are the authorities doing?

 

A sustainable balance between a healthy marine environment and human activities at sea is a crucial issue. This is the only option to protect and/or restore the biodiversity present. An Environmental Impact Report (EIR) should therefore be drawn up for each significant human activity at sea. This EIR describes the potential environmental consequences of a plan, activity or project and can serve as the basis for obtaining an authorization .

 

Through the Belgian Nature Integratetd Project (BNIP), the various Flemish, Walloon and federal authorities have joined forces to achieve Natura 2000 objectives on land and at sea through Prioritized Action Frameworks (PAF). The Agentschap voor Natuur en Bos coordinates this project and creates an operational framework to offer expertise and support to Natura 2000 projects on the ground.

 

For more information on the BNIP project, please visit the website .

 

And you, what can you do?

 

Expand your knowledge of nature in and around the sea, and also near you. You can find lots of information at the local conservation association, at conservation centres, in books or online.

Help others learn about the importance of nature.

Visit nature reserves and bird sanctuaries, discover nature education centres! Do you need advice ? Do not hesitate to go to the Zwin or the Duinpanne or Doornpanne center...

Help fight against pollution (advice on www.lamercommencechezvous.be ) and think about your consumption behavior.

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Invasive alien species

 

Certain exotic species are regularly present in our sea. This is not a problem in itself except when they begin to multiply in an uncontrolled manner. When ecological, economic or public health interests are at stake, we speak of    invasive alien species.

 

 

 

The American razor clam and the Pacific oyster © Jan Haelters/IRSNB and Oscar Bos

 

Invasive alien species are the second leading cause of species extinction. They are one of the greatest threats to native biodiversity both on land, in fresh water and at sea. The Belgian part of the North Sea is home to 73 non-native species. You can even find them on the beach: the American razor clam, the crepidula and the Japanese oyster. These species were introduced by “vectors”. In the marine environment, it is mainly about navigation: either they attach themselves to the hull, or they seep into the ballast water. Other vectors are sea aquaculture and the dumping of aquarium animals or plants in the wild. In some places, like seaports, more than 60% of the species are non-native!

 

What are the authorities doing?

 

A management plan to protect our native biodiversity is crucial. Belgium is committed to ensuring that non-native species can only have a positive impact on marine ecosystems.

 

Some concrete measures are covered by the Marine Environment Protection Act. For example, it is forbidden to introduce non-indigenous species into the Belgian part of the North Sea. A procedure is also needed to authorize the farming of non-native species in the context of sea aquaculture.

 

The presence of invasive alien species is explicitly included in the Marine Strategy Framework Directive. The Ballast Water Management Convention is another instrument for combating invasive alien species. This international convention prevents, limits and prohibits the movement and introduction of harmful aquatic organisms and pathogens into the marine environment. This is done through the control and management of ships' ballast water as they sail from port to port. The FPS Mobility monitors the application of this agreement.

 

And you, what can you do?

 

Do not throw your bait in the water after a fishing activity. They often contain worms, small roach (a kind of carp) or crayfish which are not naturally present in the North Sea. They can evolve and become an invasive species.

Never release your aquatic animals into the wild.

Throw your aquarium plants in a plastic bag in the trash.

Clean your hiking boots when going from one nature reserve to another. Otherwise, you risk spreading plant seeds, microorganisms or pathogens from one area to another.

As a consumer, prefer native species and eat local.

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Underwater noise

 

For many marine organisms, marine mammals, species of fish and even invertebrates, hearing is one of the most important senses. Sound waves allow them to move and orient themselves, to communicate, to feed and reproduce, ... Since underwater, light is quickly absorbed, the development of good hearing has proven to be a necessary survival strategy. Underwater, there are many noises and sound waves are also a very powerful medium. Barely attenuated, they propagate five times faster than above water. © SSPA Many human activities (shipping, pile driving for the installation of wind turbines, military exercises, seismic studies, etc.) generate a lot of underwater noise and can therefore affect all these vital processes. The consequences of this situation range from masking of relevant biological signals to altered behavior, damage to hearing organs, injury or even death at very high noise levels. Marine mammals (cetaceans, dolphins, porpoises) and fish (due to their gas-filled swim bladders) are particularly sensitive to sound waves from explosions. On the other hand, most invertebrates suffer little damage because they do not have gas-filled organs.

 

 

 

 

 

What are the authorities doing?

 

The management of acoustic disturbances is one of the objectives of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive . When assessing the environmental impact of offshore projects, noise represents an environmental pressure that is assessed as part of environmental permits .

 

The Marine Environment service coordinates with the military sector in order to apply certain non-technical measures, such as the destruction of explosive devices on land rather than at sea, the establishment of a deterrence system, the postponement of the destruction mines when marine mammals are observed and the temporary prohibition of explosions during periods when porpoises are present in high density. In collaboration with the SPF Mobilité, we are also raising awareness in the maritime transport industry in order to limit the effect of underwater noise on cetaceans.

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Ocean acidification

 

Carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) can dissolve in water. This is how the oceans absorb CO 2 from the atmosphere. The more the concentration of CO 2 in the atmosphere increases, the more the concentration of CO 2 in the oceans increases. A quarter of the CO 2 emitted into the atmosphere(through the combustion of fossil fuels) is absorbed by the oceans. They are therefore an important buffer in our fight against global warming.

 

But each buffer has its limits, and there too, humanity puts the marine environment to the test. When an ocean absorbs CO 2 , it reacts with seawater to form carbon dioxide (H 2 Co 3 ). This carbonic acid naturally breaks down into bicarbonate and carbonate molecules. This chemical process, during which H + ions are released, acidifies seawater.

 

 

 

© NOAA

 

Acidification or increased CO 2 concentration in the oceans hinders the production of calcium carbonate (CaCO 3 ) by organisms. This substance is the main constituent of the shells of crustaceans, but it is also important for diatoms, corals and starfish which use them to form their skeleton. A lack of calcium carbonate leads to skeletal fragility, which in turn reduces the chances of survival. The acidic ocean somehow dissolves the limestone skeletons.

 

As diatoms form the base of the food pyramid at sea, ocean acidification is likely to have a major impact on human nutrition. Since the 18th century, the pH of seawater has already dropped by 0.11. It may not seem like much, but this figure represents an increase of more than 25% in the acidity of marine waters. The drop of 0.3 or 0.4 pH estimated by 2100 could therefore have a disastrous effect on the marine environment.

 

What are the authorities doing?

 

Belgium conducts an active climate policy with regard to the CO 2 issue. The specific issue of acidification is addressed at international level within the framework of various international forums such as the London Convention and the Convention on Biological Diversity. . The marine environment department ensures that Belgium's points of view are coordinated within these different forums. For example, a representative of the service systematically attends the major annual meetings on climate (the COPs on climate) in order to put forward the interests of the oceans.

 

And you, what can you do at your level?

 

Ocean acidification is a consequence of CO 2 emissions . This is why climate action is a good way to stop ocean acidification. There are several ways to reduce your CO 2  emissions depending on our lifestyle, our consumption and food choices, the way we move around. For example, it is better to properly insulate your home than to heat it using a heat pump, just as it is better to work from home than to go to work with an electric vehicle.

 

You will find more comprehensive advice under climate change or on climat.be .

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Eutrophication

 

Most commonly resulting from human activities such as agriculture and industry, eutrophication occurs when too many nutrients -phosphates, nitrates, etc.- are present in the water. At first glance, this seems trivial: plants in rivers, lakes and oceans will be able to   benefit from this increased supply of nutrients.

 

The reality is quite different. Algae are the first to use this extra influx of nutrients, which can cause them to grow explosively. Then, when the algae die, they are broken down by bacteria in an aerobic process that gradually extracts oxygen from the water. This can ultimately lead to the death of fish and a shortage of food for birds. In addition, some species of algae produce many toxins that can be absorbed by animals or humans and cause symptoms such as muscle cramps, fever, diarrhea or eye irritation.

 

The color of algae is important in identifying the species and the type of toxins they produce. On our coast, this algal bloom can take the form of a green tide or foam on the beach.

 

 

© NOAA

 

What are the authorities doing?

 

The problem of eutrophication of the marine environment is mainly dealt with by the implementation of the Water Framework Directive. Monitoring is set up in collaboration with OSPAR countries. River basin management plans for Belgian coastal waters are drawn up, allowing the implementation of preventive measures.

 

And you, what can you do?

 

If you use fertilizers and chemicals, do so wisely so they don't wash into nearby waterways during a storm.

 Reduce water pollution by using ecological products (for example with the EU Ecolabel ) whose range is very wide: maintenance and cleaning products for laundry, dishes, maintenance, paints.

Use disinfectants, pesticides and other chemicals such as bleach, descalers and drain cleaners only when necessary and appropriately for your safety.

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Climate change

 

The role of the oceans in the fight against climate change has been underestimated until now. Essential, they provide us with most of the oxygen we breathe and they form a protective CO 2 buffer against global warming. Since the years1970, the oceans have absorbed more than 90% of the excess heat. resulting from human activities. But this heat absorption capacity has its limits and the ocean is gradually saturated with CO 2 . This saturation has repercussions, for life in the oceans and for our future.

 

The melting of the ice caps

 

One of the best-known images of global warming is the melting of the polar ice caps. This situation is dramatic and risks triggering a domino effect. The ice caps contain a very large amount of methane, which can be released faster when the ice caps melt. As the warming effect of methane is 25 times greater than that of CO 2 , this can cause cascading effects and cause nature to take part in the process of climate change. From this moment, human efforts will no longer be of any use in curbing the phenomenon.

 

 

© Givingcompass

 

Consequences for biodiversity

 

In terms of biodiversity, iconic species such as polar bears, walruses, penguins and whales are affected by the loss of valuable habitats. Organisms that live in warmer waters, such as corals, also find it difficult to adapt to the rise in temperature. They die off massively leaving only discolored coral.

 

Aquatic organisms will migrate en masse in search of adequate living and breeding conditions. Higher water temperature will cause southern species to move north. New species, including some species of barnacles, will appear off our coasts and others, such as herring, will disappear. Changing species composition has the potential to disrupt ecological relationships within the marine food web and affect our food web.

 

© Reuters

 

Influence on ocean currents and sea level

 

Climate change will have repercussions on sea currents which are precisely due to the differences in water temperature between the tropics and the poles. As the water cools, it becomes heavier and sinks into deeper parts of the oceans to rise in other places. Changes in water temperature can therefore affect the direction and speed of sea currents. Migratory species that depend on these currents for food or reproduction will be the first to be affected. Subsequently, the local climate and precipitation will be affected.

 

 

© Jonathan Webb

 

In addition, melting ice caps are also causing rapid sea level rise. By 2050, it is estimated that this rise will be 30 cm, and even 80 cm by 2100. Populations of small island states in the Atlantic Ocean and low-lying, densely populated coastal areas example Bangladesh) will be the first climate refugees. If we don't stop sea level rise, many island states will be swallowed up by the ocean by the end of the 21st century .

 

What are the authorities doing?

 

As the climate issue is global, cooperation and solutions to protect the oceans from climate change must also be sought across borders. This is why the United Nations has decided to dedicate the decade 2021-2030 to marine research in order to support the sustainable management of the oceans worldwide.

 

On February 19, 2019, in collaboration with the Climate Change service, the Marine Environment service organized a climate conference during which the "  Brussels Declaration on Climate Change and the Ocean  " was signed by the representatives of more from 30 countries. This text brings together many political actions around the themes of the oceans and climate change. It also highlights the critical importance of science-based policy-making and promotes ocean and climate research.

 

In addition, the Marine Environment service contributes to efforts to reduce CO 2 emissions in the maritime transport sector, as proposed by the Paris Agreement.

 

And you, what can you do?

 

The threat of climate change can seem overwhelming. A first step is therefore to be properly informed about the functioning of the oceans and the impact of our habits. Then share your knowledge with friends and family.

Discover below some tips to help you reduce your ecological footprint and protect the seas: 

 

Travel: Reduce your individual motorized travel. If you must leave your home, do so preferably on foot, by bicycle, or by using public transport. People who need a car can opt for a hybrid or electric model which consumes little fuel. Carpooling is also a great option.

 

Housing: our homes contribute substantially to greenhouse gas emissions. Living in the city center or simply in a small house or a small apartment already reduces our emissions. Proper insulation, installing heat pumps, installing solar water heaters and installing solar panels are even more advantageous. Consult the PEB certificate for your home, you will find useful tips to reduce your home's emissions.

 

Purchasing : each product, from a simple sheet of paper to a computer, costs CO 2 during its production. Borrowing items or buying them used is a good alternative. When making new purchases, it is also important to ensure correct recycling to recover a maximum of raw materials. The fewer raw materials we need to live, the better for the climate and the environment.

 

Food : the agricultural sector is a sector that is the subject of particular attention. We can already have results by adopting a diet with less meat. It is not a question of completely eliminating meat from your diet but rather of eating vegetarian several days a week. Eating local can also be a solution. This avoids the transport of food and thus limits their impact in terms of CO2. And finally, it is also best to eat seasonal foods. By choosing seasonal foods, you greatly reduce the energy used for their production and conservation (greenhouses, cold rooms, etc.). The seasonal vegetable calendars will help you make the right choices!

More information on www.climat.be .

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Soil disturbance

 

Disturbances, such as seafloor scraping, sediment disturbance, or sand or gravel extraction can cause significant damage. This damage mainly concerns the services provided by the ecosystems of the seabed and the speciesthat they house.

 

Beam trawling, for example, is a technique that involves dragging a large net on the bottom to which heavy weights are attached. The perch picks up everything in its path, destroys fragile ecosystems and disturbs the soil. When driving piles for the construction of wind turbines, a hammer is often used which drives the piles into the ground with enormous force. The shock wave which propagates in the ground can then potentially damage the internal organs of the invertebrates located in the ground.

 

 

© Brian Skerry and NOAA

 

When sand is mined, entire communities are uprooted from the ground and removed from their marine environment. Sand mining can also create a plume of sand that clouds cloudy water and disturbs the marine life present. It can form a barrier for corals that need sunlight to function and therefore lead to fish kills from lack of food and oxygen.

 

Seabed mining poses similar problems: both the extraction of minerals and the dumping of tailings result in huge plumes of sediment. The damage caused by all these activities on the seabed has a major impact on biodiversity and the food web in marine systems.

 

What are the authorities doing?

 

It is obvious that one activity is more harmful than another. All activities differ in terms of size, degree of impact or level of degradation on habitat types. This is why each activity is the subject of a separate environmental impact report. Each activity must be the subject of an authorization request . These are issued for a fixed period of validity.

 

And you, what can you do?

 

As an individual, it is not obvious to have a direct effect on ground disturbance. Finding information and being aware of the cost of certain fishing and sand extraction techniques for the environment can already be useful. After all, these are activities driven by consumer demand. Thus, for example, the strong demand for smartphones and tablets is stimulating interest in the exploitation of mineral deposits on the seabed rich in precious raw materials.

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