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Index to examples of marine degradation
by Dr J Floor Anthoni, 2004
www.seafriends.org.nz/decay/


The images and visual examples of marine degradation have been stored in this decay folder. All over the world, coastal seas are experiencing sudden and rapid degradation from the runoff originating from the land. Please read the degradation chapter for the principles behind this, and an introduction to what is happening to our seas. The documents found from this page are all examples of degradation illustrating what to look for in order to recognise it. Degradation or decay results in the death of organisms, and them disappearing from sight, which makes recognising it, very difficult. The images shown here, together with their annotations, aim to help others train their eyes to see. It provides important and interesting additional information.
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What is happening to the sea?
As soils are bleeding into the sea, the fertility for future generations is lost to the sea water in the form of nutrients as also a layer of sticky mud suffocates marine creatures. The consequences of this potent cocktail are unexpectedly damaging and for good reasons their threat increases rapidly beyond imagination. It explains why the past two decades have been unlike millions of years before. Degradation of our seas is rapidly wiping out our native marine fauna and flora which evolved in very clear waters. It is now threatening our coastal fisheries. We must understand how degradation proceeds and why our seas are equally sensitive as the land because only by examining the patient, can a doctor prescribe the right cure. To save the sea we have to be smarter than ever before.
Because these problems are caused by thousands of actions by millions of people, each of us has a role to play. As the sick sea disease is spreading like a cancer, we cannot act soon enough. There is a role to play for schools and universities and particuarly for people frequenting the sea or lakes like boat owners, yacht owners, fishermen, divers, frequent travellers and even pensioners. We want for our children healthy environments in clear waters and sustainable use of our precious lands.

For comments, corrections or suggestions, please e-mail the author Dr Floor Anthoni.
Note! for best printed results, set your page up with a left margin of 1.5cm (0.3") and right margin of 1.0cm (0.2"). Read tips.
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