The Biggest Threats to Our Ocean: Pollution, Overfishing, and Climate Change

The ocean is a critical component to our global ecosystem, environment, and human society. One of the most important functions of the ocean is its role in regulating the Earth’s climate. Covering more than 70% of the planet’s surface1, the ocean absorbs a significant portion of the carbon dioxide produced by human activates, helping to mitigate the greenhouse effect and prevent global warming. The ocean helps to regulate the temperature and humidity of the atmosphere. Unfortunately, our seven seas are at risk due to a variety of factors, including pollution, overfishing, and climate change. In this article, we’re going to cover the impact these factors have on our ecosystem and life on earth.

Plastic Pollution

One of the most common forms of ocean pollution is plastic pollution. Currently, there are about 50-75 trillion pieces of plastic and microplastics in the ocean.2 Microplastics are very small plastic particles, often smaller than five millimeters. Once they make their way into the ocean, microplastics are being ingested by marine animals, including fish, shellfish, and other seafood. These animals are then consumed by humans, resulting in the transfer of microplastics in the human food chain. While the long-term effects of microplastics on human health are not yet fully understood, some research suggest that they may be harmful, particularly if ingested in large quantitates.3

Climate Change

The ocean is becoming more acidic, and its oxygen levels are declining because of human activities, particularly the emission of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. When greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide are released into the atmosphere, they trap heat and contribute to global warming. A portion of this carbon dioxide is absorbed by the oceans, where it reacts with seawater to form carbonic acid. This process, known as ocean acidification, is causing the pH of the oceans to drop.4 Ocean deoxygenation can have negative impacts on marine life, particularly for species that rely on oxygen to survive.

Overfishing

Overfishing is another major threat to the health of the ocean. Overfishing is the practice of catching more fish than can be sustainably replenished, and it can have serious impacts on marine ecosystems and the people who depend on them. When too many fish are removed from a particular area, it can disrupt the balance of the ecosystem and lead to declines in fish populations.5 This can have negative consequences for the animals that rely on fish and shellfish as a food source.

Recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) are a type of seafood farming technology that can be used to help mitigate the impacts of overfishing. RAS are designed to recycle water and nutrients within a closed system, allowing seafood like shrimp to be raised in a more sustainable and efficient matter. This can be particularly important in areas where wild fish and shrimp populations are declining. In addition, RAS can also help to reduce environmental impacts of traditional commercial fishing methods.

NaturalShrimp has spent many years developing and commercializing a technology that will reliably produce a weekly crop of premium quality shrimp using a high degree of automation within an indoor environment. The enclosed, salt-water systems, uses patented technology to produce fresh, naturally grown shrimp, without the use of antibiotics or toxic chemicals. Visit NaturalShrimp to place your freshly harvested gourmet-grade shrimp order today!

1“How Much Water Is There on Earth? Completed.” How Much Water Is There on Earth? | U.S. Geological Survey, https://www.usgs.gov/special-topics/water-science-school/science/how-much-water-there-earth#science.
2Fava, M Fava. “Plastic Pollution in the Ocean: Data, Facts, Consequences.” Ocean Literacy Portal, 9 June 2022, https://oceanliteracy.unesco.org/plastic-pollution-ocean/.
3“How Much Water Is There on Earth? Completed.” How Much Water Is There on Earth? | U.S. Geological Survey, https://www.usgs.gov/special-topics/water-science-school/science/how-much-water-there-earth#science.
4 US Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. “What Is Ocean Acidification?” NOAA’s National Ocean Service, 1 Aug. 2012, https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/acidification.html.
5 McKeever, Amy, and National Geographic Staff. “How Overfishing Threatens the World’s Oceans-and Why It Could End in Catastrophe.” Environment, National Geographic, 7 Feb. 2022, https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/critical-issues-overfishing.

Gary Shover

I am one of the few lucky recipients that received some of the most beautiful shrimp during a shipping trial…. and when I say lucky and beautiful, I am not exaggerating.The shrimp arrived in a sealed Styrofoam container and the temperature was 37 degrees. I then went to the store and purchased some regular shrimp. Sadly, the guy working the counter did not know where the shrimp originated from. After cleaning both the store bought shrimp and the Natural Shrimp I set about cooking and did so with a skillet and the grill…. The taste of Natural Shrimp was outstanding when compared to the store bought shrimp the taste comparison was as different as night and day. The texture and taste was shrimply outstanding… The store bought shrimp was gritty and had little flavor versus NaturalShrimp that was tasty and buttery smooth. After eating Natural Shrimps product, I will never eat store bought shrimp again and gladly rate this a 5 star product.

Randy Tye

I live on the Gulf Coast and regularly purchase fresh caught wild shrimp right off of the shrimp boat and I have had the pleasure of eating Natural Shrimp numerous times. There is no comparison in the quality. Natural Shrimp is gourmet quality and I highly recommend it.

Allen Frank

I have had the pleasure of tasting the Natural Shrimp on 3 separate occasions. I normally buy my shrimp from a small shop located in San Leon, Texas on the Gulf Coast right on the water that gets their shrimp ” Right off the boat”. I like that since I know they are American caught shrimp, and the boats are tied up next to the store. I can honestly say that the Natural Shrimp is BY FAR taster and has NO odor than the shrimp I normally buy from the store. They have a sweet and buttery taste. As a big plus there is no need to de-vein the shrimp also. There is NO visible vein to remove…..I can honestly rate these tasty shrimp as a HUGE 5 STAR.

Steve & Deb Salmen

My husband and I drove 12 hours to purchase shrimp from Natural Shrimp. We were not disappointed in our purchase. The shrimp was extremely clean, no odor and had a good flavor. We’re looking forward to purchasing more in the near future. 5 stars!

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Gary Shover

Randy Tye

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Steve & Deb Salmen

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