Marine Biodiversity, Human Mental Health and Survival
The reality of how much of a direct impact marine biodiversity has on our mental health and survival!
By Naviya Kamdar
Imagine the cold waves of the sea splash against the loose sand. Every once in a while, you see vibrant coloured fish being carried along with the water. The birds soar high above you, spreading their wings to shield you from the sun. The natural setting is rejuvenating and makes one feel peaceful and serene.
Imparting beauty and serenity is not the only thing nature gives us. A major benefit of nature is the restoration of one’s mental being. Most environmentalists believe more verdant nature gives a greater level of restoration. This research has been mainly done in connection with urban parks rather than the sea; however, their findings hold true for our marine biodiversity as well. Let’s see the impact marine biodiversity has on human well being in a nutshell.
In a study published recently, 1478 respondents were shown 12 images with high, medium or low biodiversity. To see the impact on mental health respondents were shown six 30 second videos of animal activity on the coast. The videos consisted of three inactive animals and three of the same species being much more active. For the images, as well as the videos, the respondent’s positivity and mental restoration were measured.
It was concluded that areas with greater biodiversity entailed higher restoration potential. This means with more variety of species around you, the more the chances that your well being would improve.
Another positive impact of marine biodiversity is the possibility of increased carbon sequestration in the sea. Carbon sequestration is nothing but a fancy word for the process wherein carbon dioxide is removed from the atmosphere. Plankton at the ocean’s surface uses photosynthesis to transform carbon dioxide into sugars; much like plants do on land. Other marine animals feed on the plankton and after dying sink to the bottom of the ocean. As a result, the carbon is locked for millions of years as sediment. With increasing global warming and a depleting ozone layer, we require more plankton to absorb the carbon dioxide and more animals to ingest it. Therefore, marine biodiversity directly impacts the survival of human beings.
Additionally, we require a healthy marine ecosystem to ensure a constant supply of food, raw materials for medicines, building materials from rock and sand, and natural defences against hazards such as coastal erosion. Scientists also monitor marine biodiversity and ecosystems in the water to have accurate predictions in regard to the impact of climate change on biodiversity and human populations.
The writing on the wall for our generation is crystal clear. Marine biodiversity is the need of the hour. It has proven to help us in several significant ways and we must preserve the oceans, beaches and marine life to continue taking in these benefits.
Works Cited
“Does Marine Biodiversity Have a Positive Effect on Human Wellbeing?” Does Marine Biodiversity Have a Positive Effect on Human Wellbeing? — Saving Species — Our Work — The RSPB Community, community.rspb.org.uk/ourwork/b/biodiversity/posts/does-marine-biodiversity-have-a-positive-effect-on-human-wellbeing.
“Marine Biodiversity and Ecosystems.” GEO Blue Planet, geoblueplanet.org/biodiversity-ecosystems/.
Kayladelventhal. “Carbon Sequestration and the Ocean: How Will Our Waters React?” NAMEPA, 19 July 2018, namepa.net/2017/04/25/2017–4–17-carbon-sequestration-and-the-ocean-how-will-our-waters-react/.
