Exit Choose to view chapter section with a click on the section heading. ►The Tragedy of the CommonsThe Tragedy of the Commons ►Research and OpportunitiesResearch and Opportunities ►Your Place on the Future of an Ocean PlanetYour Place on the Future of an Ocean Planet Chapter Topic Menu

MenuPreviousNext A Metaphor for Our Times nIn 1862, when the Monitor clashed with the Virginia during the American Civil War, people viewed the seas as inexhaustible. By the 1960s, they had started to realize this isn’t the case. nIn 1968, Garrett Hardin, a biologist, published an article called “Tragedy of the Commons.” The article used the metaphor of a commonly owned livestock field to explain how common ownership of property can lead to its destruction.  The Tragedy of the Commons suggest that the cause of overfishing and other pending biological crises is that common property misplaces incentives and responsibilities. Grotius’ 1604 concept of Mare Liberum, set the stage by establishing freedom of the seas for all nations, effectively making the world’s oceans common property.  Accepting the Tragedy of the Commons as a suitable metaphor for the seas suggests that to continue to supply the world with fish and other biological resources, international management has to change. The best chance for the future may be ownership.  In 1945, the Truman Proclamation began ownership management when the US took claim to all the physical and biological resources to the edge of our continental shelf. Other nations followed and in 1982, UNCLOS established the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). nBy restoring individual national ownership to individual nations the world took the first steps in avoiding the Tragedy of the Commons and toward individual national responsibility for different areas of the ocean. The Tragedy of the Commons Chapter 17 Pages 17-5 to 17-7

MenuPreviousNext Managing Biological Resources nThere are two approaches to using biological ocean resources:  1. Take them until they are gone. The current state of the world fisheries and the decline of whales are examples of ineffective management.  2. Manage them so that they are sustainable. The California gray whale is an example of effective management. Its population has increased enough to be removed from the endangered species list. nThe advantage of 1 over 2 is you get more in the short run, but have nothing left for the future. nThe advantage of 2 over 1 is you exchange getting less over the short term, and with good management, getting more in the long run. nManagement so that fisheries and other industries stay within maximum sustainable yield is the only realistic option. nScientific research is crucial. It’s the only way to accurately and objectively determine what the present resource levels are and what could be the maximum sustainable yield. The Tragedy of the Commons Chapter 17 Pages 17-7 & 17-8

MenuPreviousNext Avoiding the Tragedy nAmong additional changes needed are:  1. International law needs to agree on how to enforce limits within maximum sustainable yield for species that cross EEZs.  2. The cross-boundary effects of pollution need to be addressed so that one or two nations can’t poison the seas for all.  3. The US government needs to invest more into ocean research with respect to its role in providing biological resources and in survival of life on Earth.  4. Subsidies and incentives need to shift to renewable resource strategies. Tax breaks and funding for fishing and other resources need to be tied to maximum sustainable yield and fishery recovery.  5. Management of biological resources in international waters needs addressing and enforcement. The Tragedy of the Commons Chapter 17 Page 17-9

MenuPreviousNext The Door Opens nTechnology and demand are the driving forces of more potential now for marine research than any time in history. nThe ocean is the “final frontier on Earth.” The terrestrial environment has little opportunity left for true exploration. There are very few places on land where no one has ever been before. The opposite is true for underwater.  Today ocean explorers routinely go “where no one has gone before.”  Even now, more than 30 years after the Apollo program, more people have been to the moon than to the deepest place in the ocean. nTwelve people have walked on the moon, only two have been to the bottom of the Marianas Trench. Research and Opportunities Chapter 17 Pages & 17-12

MenuPreviousNext Methane Hydrates and Global Climate Changes nIn addition to being a potential energy resource, methane hydrates have scientists interested in them for their role in the biosphere and global climate changes.  Methane is a greenhouse gas and some scientists fear that an earthquake, global climate changes, or some other event could cause a massive methane release. This could trigger a significant increase in global climate changes.  Research may be able to tell us how likely, when, what to prepare for, or even how to prevent it. The Atmosphere Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow nPaleoclimatology is the study of ancient atmospheres. It is important because it provides a baseline of conditions to compare with the present atmosphere. Climatologists use computers to model how the Earth has changed from millions of years ago to today.  This allows scientists to predict changes to the atmosphere and likely changes to the climate. The questions is: are human activities creating an influence that never existed before? Research and Opportunities Chapter 17 Pages & 17-14

MenuPreviousNext Cures From the Ocean Bottom nThe unimagined biodiversity found on the ocean bottom is proving a seemingly endless resource for potential new drugs. Considering the vast diversity of benthic organisms the potential for cures is just as vast.  So many of these organisms don’t move, they use chemicals for self defense against everything from larger predators to bacteria.  They have powerful immune systems loaded with literally millions of potential drugs. Feet in the Water and an Eye on the Sky nUndersea research applies to space research by providing analogous environments for study.  Living undersea has the same psychological, environmental, and logistical problems as living in space. NASA Extreme Environment Mission Operations (NEEMO) studies human spaceflight issues in the Aquarius underwater research habitat – the only one in the world.  What is learned here reduces the lessons that will need to be learned in space. Research and Opportunities Chapter 17 Pages to 17-16

MenuPreviousNext The Sea Is Our Future nThe future of the ocean and mankind’s future rests on the health of the ocean. It provides oxygen, absorbs carbon, helps feed the world, and redistributes heat.  The future of the ocean should interest you because no single person can solve all the problems, but many people working together can.  There are challenges, but even more opportunities and resources for handling them. A Career in Marine Science nHow do you discover if a career in marine science is right for you?  Get involved. Aquariums, zoos, not-for-profit foundations, and other marine institutions rely on volunteers to get this done.  Follow your heart in deciding what part of oceanography you have the most interest – fish studies, undersea technology, biology, ecology, etc.  Then learn about it. Read everything you can about those areas. Television is a good source with the number of marine oriented programs available. nWhat should you do now to prepare?  Keep up your grades. Math is a part of science, so develop your abilities with it.  Go beyond your required coursework. Ask teachers about opportunities to do so.  Learn to snorkel or scuba dive – it’s the best way to experience undersea life. Your Place in the Future of an Ocean Planet Chapter 17 Pages & 17-18

MenuPreviousNext Involved With the Oceans nWhat about getting involved with the oceans apart from marine science? There are many other careers based on the ocean: nWhat can you do to help preserve and protect the ocean?  Stay informed about marine and environmental issues.  Support elected government officials that support the ocean environment.  Become a scuba diver, snorkeler, etc. and share your sport. People who spend time on the water love the ocean, and people protect what they love.  Support research and environment through contributions and/or membership.  Volunteer to help local environmental activities and marine institutions.  Be a discriminating consumer. Favor products that use resources responsibly. Your Place in the Future of an Ocean Planet Chapter 17 Pages & 17-20