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Environment
Articles
Saving
Our Marine Life
Alexis Brown
WHEN considering how our society may help to conserve life in the marine environment, it is important for marine ecologists to note the factors that hamper such conservation. Marine scientist, Dr. Emma Johnston, is an associate lecturer at the University of New South Wales and one of only a handful of Australian scientists conducting research in this area. Through her collaboration with other researchers, including those in Adelaide, Melbourne and even Hong Kong, Emma’s efforts in the field of marine ecology have helped us to see just how big an impact our society has on the marine environment.
Throughout her career, Emma has worked closely with members of the fishing industry. The fishing industry has played an integral role in assisting the progress of Emma’s work, often seeking to make a contribution to her research and hence help to ensure the survival of the ecosystem around which their livelihood is based. Emma’s main area of research looks at the effect of transient pollution events, such as oil spills or major outpouring of harmful chemicals, on the marine environment. In particular, Emma’s work has focused around the effect of heavy metals, particularly copper, as they discharge into the marine environment. There are many sources of heavy metal pollution including “biocides” (chemicals used to prevent the “fouling” of boat hulls by marine organisms), sewerage, paints used by boats and electroplating as used by various industries.
As larger organisms are not as readily susceptible to these pollutants, the focus of Emma’s study has been on the smaller invertebrate sea residents. She has found that some chemicals may affect only certain species of animals, allowing other species to gain a competitive advantage. This upsets the balance and makes the ecosystem more susceptible to harmful, exotic animals. So the disturbance caused by pollution not only has a short-term effect on a few species but also has long-term impact on the greater “food web”.
Implementing findings of research brings many factors into play. Scientists find it difficult to predict the large-scale impact of toxicants on the broader ecosystem when only a relatively small number of animal species and chemicals can be studied. Emma acknowledges this, declaring that the work of herself and others like her attempts to create a “middle step” to help develop regulations and products that will be of maximum accuracy and benefit.
As a result of the research conducted by marine biologists, including Emma, some of the chemicals used in industrial settings are already being replaced. New materials are being employed to substitute old sources of pollution, such as using silicon-based paints instead of heavy metal based paints for boats. Unfortunately, as industry must consider the costs of bringing about these changes, the solutions suggested by marine ecologists may not always be commercially viable, and new heavy metal chemicals are being created every day. Therefore, we are a long way from stopping heavy metal pollution, but the first steps have been taken.
To help conserve
species in the mean time, several “Marine Parks” have been
established. The general public can also help in the conservation of marine
species. Firstly, we can be aware of any damage we inflict upon the marine
environment and any pollutants we are introducing into it. Secondly, one
needs to encourage new action and regulations from governing bodies and
industries. Our society can help in the preservation of marine species
by ensuring that the innovative research of scientists like Emma is fully
recognised and implemented.
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