High levels of species keep the oceans robust, but did you also know that it is excellent for human health, as well? Rich oceans can effectively feed a burgeoning global population, decrease the micronutrient deficits linked with “hidden hunger,” and battle disease with life-saving medications. For ages, humanity has considered the ocean as an unlimited food source, a bottomless sink for contaminants, and a persistent sustainer of marine ecosystems. Scientists have found evidence of rapidly accelerated once-abundant species of cod, flounder, haddock, and scores of other species of fish, as well as mollusks, birds, crustaceans, and plants.
1. Sea whips aid in the healing of wounds
Sea whip is a soft coral that can be normally found in some sections of the Caribbean. These particular sea whips have piqued the medical community’s interest because they contain an anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving substance. As per NOAA, the pseudopterosins, a class of chemicals derived from this sea whip, are beneficial in treating skin irritation, swelling, and wounds.
2. COVID-19 and marine species
Aplidin is a medication that contains a chemical first discovered in the Mediterranean Sea squirt. Aplidin outperformed the coronavirus medication remdesivir in a preclinical experiment by approximately 30 times (which also has a marine source, comprising compounds originate in sea sponges). It’s also important to note that enzymes from marine microorganisms were utilized to develop a COVID-19 diagnostic test.
3. A cancer medication based on sea squirts
Marine invertebrates generate more anti-cancer, antibiotic, and anti-inflammatory chemicals than any group of terrestrial organisms. Look no further than sea squirt, a tube-shaped creature that is one of humanity’s closest invertebrate ancestors. Ecteinascidin-743 is produced from Ecteinascidia turbinata, an Atlantic sea squirt that forms colonies. PharmaMar, a Spanish pharmaceutical company specializing in “marine-inspired oncology,” produced a synthetic version after it was proven to have cancer-fighting properties. It is being used to treat advanced tumors.
4. Oceans and weather
The oceans influence our weather. As the sun’s rays warm the oceans, water from the surface evaporates and condenses to form clouds. We receive our rain and thus our drinking water this way. It also helps in the wind, thunderstorms, hurricanes, and the rainfall that thousands of people in Southeast Asia rely on during the monsoon season.
5. Oceans provides us food
Oceans are a significant food source. They are the world’s largest ecosystem and home to 80% of the planet’s biodiversity. About 3 billion individuals get 20% of their animal protein from fish. Only ten species account for roughly 30% of marine catch fisheries, while ten species account for almost 50% of aquaculture productivity.
6. Employment
Currently, 56 million people are employed directly in the fishing and aquaculture industries. Many more are involved in follow-up tasks like handling, processing, and distribution. Fishing and aquaculture sustain the jobs and families of between 660 and 880 million people or around 12% of the world’s population.
Final Words
Unfortunately, a variety of human activities are endangering our oceans. Overfishing is diminishing fish populations, jeopardizing food supplies, and altering marine food webs. Around 80% of ocean pollution originates on land, and coastal areas are particularly vulnerable to pollutants. Plastics are also a major issue, with massive floating trash patches accumulating in the waters. Some marine species are threatened by climate change and its attendant effects, such as ocean acidification. Important coastal marine habitats such as coral reefs, seagrass meadows, and mangroves are being destroyed and degraded by coastal development.
Even if we don’t live near the water, we need clean & healthy oceans to maintain our overall health and existence. Every one of us has the power to make a difference; now is the moment to act. Consider which ocean problems most concern you or which ocean flora, animal species, or habitats you want to maintain, protect, and restore on a local and global scale.
