Why are marine ecosystems important?
Ecological Contributions
- Climate moderation
- Nutrient cycling
- Waste treatment
- Genetic resources and biodiversity
- Scientific information
- Provide reduced storm impact
Economic Contributions
- animal and pet feed
- pharmaceuticals
- minerals
- building materials
The coastal zone is the warm
nutrient rich shallow water that extends form the high-tide mark on land to the edge of the continental shelf
Estuaries-are where rivers meet
the sea usually partially enclosed
bodies of water
8-2 Marine ecosystems are important
Coral Reefs provide great sources
of biodiversity
Help prevent erosion
Barrier Islands
- Harbors and transportation routes
- Coastal habitats for humans
Coral reef wonderland - Wild Indonesia - BBC
Sea Grass Beds
Mangroves
Coastal Wetlands
- Recreation
- Employment
- Oil and natural gas