Hawaii’s Effort To Save

Biodiversity

Presented By Haley Murayama

Biodiversity

Dictionary.reference.com states that biodiversity is diversity among and within plant and animal species in an environment.

The American Heritage Science Dictionary defines biodiversity as “The number, variety, and genetic variation of different organisms found within a specified geographic region.

Importance in Biodiversity

“At least 40 per cent of the world’s economy and 80 per cent of the needs of the poor are derived from biological resources. In addition, the richer the diversity of life, the greater the opportunity for medical discoveries, economic development, and adaptive responses to such new challenges as climate change.”

-The Convention about Life on Earth

Efforts Show Promise Toward SSaving Seals Cutting Hawaiian monk seal from

fishing nets, moving vulnerable pups away from preying sharks, and other efforts have significantly helped the endangered species.

1/5 of the roughly 1,100 Hawaiian monk seals in the world are alive today because of interventions to save them.

The seal population is about 30% larger today that it would have been if authorities didn’t act.

The Importance of Ocean Biodiversity

Monitoring the diversity of life in the oceans better allows us to recognize and anticipate problems.

Recently Scientists from 80 nations are working under the Census of Marine Life have been deploying new technologies to monitor and measure life within an emerging global ocean observing system.

All nations are affected by over fishing, the breakdown of international fisheries, pollution, and the destruction of coastal habitats.

Ocean Biodiversity Video

Continuation

The new technologies consist of: Acoustic Sensing- allows scientist to track ten of thousands

of times greater than previously possible. Helps in fishstock distribution and the building of sustainable fisheries.

DNA Barcoding- allow for the rapid and accurate identification of life. Allows authorities to detect endangered species being illegally sold and allows reseachers to better catalogue the diversity of life in our seas.

Tagging- Helps us study different parts of the oceans as well as migration routes and patterns. It captures light, depth, and salinity.

Personal Reflection

I feel that this is a wonderful improvement in conditions. Biodiversity loss is the first signs of extinction and so it is very comforting to know that there are organizations fighting to keep biodiversity alive. I also find the new technologies used and their functions in other parts of the world very interesting.

Sources

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kXXzvGJCVAc&feature=player_embedded#!

http://mauinews.com/page/content.detail/id/557561/Efforts-show-promise-toward-saving-seals.html?nav=5031

http://www.globalissues.org/article/170/why-is-biodiversity-important-who-cares

http://biodiversity.ca.gov/Biodiversity/biodiv_def2.html