How are humans causing extinction of species? (Secondary) - Lesson Four

• Social Studies
• History
• +3
• 11th,12th Grade

Introduction

Lesson Four – What are the impacts on the ocean ecosystem? This lesson discusses the impact of manmade issues on the ocean ecosystem and how these form a threat to species and habitat. Learning activities:  Consider how these issues are impacting our life support system.  Research and report on an ocean ecosystem that is being damaged.

Instructions

Time: 45 minutes

Contact: [e-mail]
© Sea Shepherd 2022

Lesson 4 - What are the impacts on the ocean ecosystem?

This lesson is provided by Sea Shepherd.  Sea Shepherd was founded in 1977 and is a marine conservation organisation working to protect the oceans and marine wildlife.  Sea Shepherd works globally on a range of issues impacting the oceans, running numerous direct action campaigns each year. 

What you already know...

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Watch  the video

During the lesson we will use these icons to identify the learning actions.

Illegal Fishing

Illegal fishing means that the fishermen enter the territorial waters of a country or regulated marine zone without permission or without a license for the fish they intend to catch.

They are stealing from these waters.

HOW DO THESE ISSUES IMPACT ECOSYSTEMS

-    Pollution
-    Climate change
-    Overfishing
-    By-catch

During the lesson we are going to talk about what we have learned so far and discuss how manmade issues are impacting the ecosystem. Those issues include:
-    Pollution
-    Climate change
-    Overfishing
-    By-catch

Introduction to IUU fishing and the impact of overfishing.

Which marine species are being impacted?

Ask students: “From the previous lessons which marine species do you think are being impacted?”

Introduction to IUU fishing and the impact of overfishing.

How are apex species impacted?

Ask students: “Which of these species are apex predators?
What are the consequences for an ecosystem when the apex predators have disappeared?
Discuss trophic cascades and the impacts on food webs.

Introduction to IUU fishing and the impact of overfishing.

What is the impact on habitat?

Ask students: “What are the impacts to ocean habitats as a result of these issues.  Think about the consequences of climate change, pollution, commercial fishing and removing apex species.”

Introduction to IUU fishing and the impact of overfishing.

Ocean ecosystem

Ask students: “Combining the impact on habitat and species, what do you think are the consequences for the ocean ecosystem?”

Think about how marine species rely on habitat, but also how they can help protect habitat (eg simple connections such as sharks keeping sea turtles on the move so they don’t over feed on areas of sea grass).

Introduction to IUU fishing and the impact of overfishing.

Biosphere - Earth

Now think about this as a global issue, one whole biosphere called planet earth.
The ocean covers 71% of the earth’s surface and provides more than 50% of our oxygen.
Ask students: “What are the implications for the entire biosphere and our life support system?”.

This video (1.10 min) helps to summarise the issues impacting the ocean.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b_SK9-Zr71g

www.seashepherdglobal.org

LEARNING ACTIVITIES

Refer Teachers Guide for Learning Activities.