Marine scientists warn human safety, prosperity depend on better ocean observ...(row. Societal benefits Are oce...)
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Societal benefits
Are oceans absorbing less carbon and thus losing the ability to dampen climate change? Is the flow of deep water in the North Atlantic slowing to bring a chill the premise of Hollywoods apocalyptic film The Day After Tomorrow? Are reefs being bleached? Scientists envision an ongoing, integrated ocean observing system that routinely surveys and monitors conditions and offers prompt diagnoses and timely forecasts of problems practical information of benefit to humanity in many ways:
Mitigating damage from natural disasters and bad weather
Deeper understanding of ocean behaviour will help society better forecast and protect itself from catastrophic storms such as hurricanes, typhoons and tsunamis.
Better ocean information will improve short- and long-range weather and climate prediction, thereby strengthening disaster preparedness and damage mitigation and strategies for agricultural and seafood harvests. As well, better ocean observing will improve safety of the marine transportation network which conveys 90% of goods traded internationally with accurate, timely information about ocean conditions.
Human health and well-being
Among the benefits offered by better ocean observing: measurement of sea surface temperatures could predict movement of fish from traditional waters, and even outbreaks of disease, which have been associated with warmer water, while monitoring pollution-induced eutrophication will help predict toxic algal blooms.
Energy Oceans are a growing source of energy oil and especially natural gas as operators reach into the seafloor in deeper and deeper parts of the ocean with multi-billion dollar facilities. Offshore wind farms would also depend on timely, reliable information on ocean conditions. Better ocean observation will help harness various energy sources safely and efficiently with minimal environmental impact.
| Contact: Terry Collins terrycollins@rogers.com 416-538-8712 Census of Marine Life Source:Eurekalert |
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