Oceans cover the majority of the planet.
You might think that aquatic ecosystems exist in isolation from their surrounding environment. However, important ecological relationships exist between systems. Aquatic ecosystems are greatly influenced by the influx of nutrients into their systems. They are also vulnerable to the direct and indirect impacts of environmental pressures around them. An understanding of the role aquatic ecosystems play in the health of the planet is necessary in order to better understand their significance.
Types
Aquatic ecosystems consist of two types: marine and freshwater. Freshwater ecosystems include both still water, or lentic environments, and those in which water flows, or lotic systems. Wetlands form another branch of aquatic ecosystems. There are several subtypes within these broad categories. The basis for the distinction depends on the vegetation, water chemistry, and other factors, which in turn influence the wildlife found within them.
Significance
Aquatic ecosystems cover a significant portion of the planet and the available habitat. For example, ocean waters cover almost three-quarters of the Earth's surface. According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), wetlands covered nearly 400 million acres in the United States during Colonial America. In addition, there are over 3 million miles of river in the U.S. Taken as a whole, aquatic ecosystems play a vital role in the health of the planet.
Benefits
These ecosystems provide many important environmental benefits, to say nothing of their aesthetic and economic value. Wetlands protect coastal areas and stream banks from flooding by absorbing excess flood waters. Water-loving soils absorb water, acting as natural sponges. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that one acre of wetlands is capable of absorbing up to 1.5 million gallons of water.
Threats
In addition to the vast amount of life they support, coastlines provide homes and businesses for people who live in these areas. However, living on the edge of aquatic ecosystems has its price. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) estimates that given present condition, about 1,500 buildings located near coastal areas will be lost each year because of erosion. Part of this risk is also caused by the loss of wetlands. The USGS estimates that over one half of the wetlands of the lower 48 states have been lost because of development and other pressures. Without the flood protection that wetlands provide, the environmental risk will continue to increase.
Prevention/Solution
In addition to development, aquatic ecosystems face grave environmental threats from water pollution. According to American Rivers, about 40 percent of the nation's streams and rivers are negatively impacted. In order to protect aquatic ecosystems, stricter laws and enforcement are necessary to prevent pollution, an action the EPA has begun in full force. The EPA has received commitments from violators for investments up to $45 billion over the past five years in order to reduce pollution.
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