Unit 4 - Taking Action
In our inquiry project, I looked at the big question: How might certain organisms be affected by changes in the sea grass ecosystem?
I decided to focus on:
1. Sea grasses provide oxygen for humans and their destruction would cause a lot of problems for all living things.
2. The increase of algae in our oceans is traumatic for sea grasses, because they block the necessary sunlight for them to grow.
3. Over fishing of different species of fish are causing shifts in the food chain and food web.
For my action plan, I want to focus on what I learned about algae and how it's killing the sea grass ecosystem.
I decided to focus on:
1. Sea grasses provide oxygen for humans and their destruction would cause a lot of problems for all living things.
2. The increase of algae in our oceans is traumatic for sea grasses, because they block the necessary sunlight for them to grow.
3. Over fishing of different species of fish are causing shifts in the food chain and food web.
For my action plan, I want to focus on what I learned about algae and how it's killing the sea grass ecosystem.
What does a healthy sea grass ecosystem look like?
This is a healthy sea grass bed with plenty of life. You can see the healthy leaves on the sea grass and it looks lush and green. There are many grazers (animals who eat off the sea grass or other organisms in the ecosystem) who call the sea grass their home. |
What happens when algae and other toxins pollute the water?
The sea grass bed cannot access the necessary sunlight, because the water is either clouded with other particles. Algae blooms grow on the top of the water. They connect together to create a barrier on the top of the water and the sea grass cannot get the light. When humans put clay or nitrates into the water, they cause the water to become cloudy with these materials, which acts as a shade to the sunlight. All of these reasons cause the sea grasses to wither and die. |
Unhealthy sea grass environments that are filled with toxins.
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How do we stop algae from growing in our sea grass ecosystems?
One of the leading causes of sea grass death is human interaction. We put different chemicals from factories into our ocean, which sink to the bottom. These chemicals do two things: they could up the water and harm the sea grass bed. As different materials die out, the remains grow bacteria and start to create algae blooms. Once a bloom is created, it can quickly reproduce until it becomes out of control. If you don't believe me, check out the picture above. |
What are people doing to help the sea grass ecosystem?
Some scientists are trying to re-create the sea grass ecosystem by taking plants and growing them in large tanks. They create a sea grass bed and re-plant it where the water is clear and has good quality. For more information, go to: Teach Ocean Science |
What Can I Do?
There are a lot of things we can do to keep the sea grass ecosystem healthy and strong. Here are some of my ideas::
If you want to see how to clean up your water system, go to Wikihow for more information.
There are a lot of things we can do to keep the sea grass ecosystem healthy and strong. Here are some of my ideas::
- clean up the trash near the sea grasses, so it does not go into the water
- post up signs to not pollute
- tell other people about what is happening to our sea grasses
- clean up my local water, so it doesn't enter the sea grass environment
If you want to see how to clean up your water system, go to Wikihow for more information.