The biodiversity of the seabed is crucial for the ecosystem as it allows the maintenance of ecological balance, climate regulation, protection of coasts against erosion, and provision of food resources for numerous species.
The ocean floors are a true reservoir of biodiversity, where each species plays a specific role, forming a network of often fragile interactions. When a species disappears, it can trigger cascading effects throughout the marine food chain. Take coral reefs, for example: they serve as refuges, habitats, and even pantries for a multitude of marine organisms. Reefs maintain species diversity, naturally regulate populations, and form the foundation of many marine ecosystems. Without them, it’s guaranteed chaos underwater. Maintaining the biodiversity of the ocean floors is primarily about allowing the oceans to better withstand environmental crises, climate change, and human pollution that disrupt everything.
The seabeds teem with fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and many other surprising creatures that often end up on our plates. Nearly a billion people depend directly on seafood for their daily diet. Without a rich and balanced marine biodiversity, entire sections of the oceanic food chain could collapse, depriving human populations of a fundamental source of protein. Even the fish raised in aquaculture ultimately depend on these ecosystems for their food, proving that the health of the seabeds directly influences what we eat.
Underwater live amazing organisms, such as bacteria, sponges, or corals capable of producing unique chemical substances. Some contain promising molecules to combat cancer, viruses, or even Alzheimer's. For example, a substance derived from a purple marine sponge is already helping to treat certain cancers. Studying these marine creatures is therefore a huge reservoir for discovering new medications useful for our health. These underwater riches represent a true medical treasure chest, provided, of course, that we protect ecosystems so as not to lose these possibilities before we even know them.
Coral reefs and seagrass beds function a bit like natural barriers. They absorb wave energy and slow down currents, thereby directly limiting beach erosion and coastal degradation. Without these protective ecosystems, beaches and coastlines would be eroded much more quickly by water, ultimately threatening nearby homes and some densely populated areas. Additionally, by mitigating storms and high tides, they also reduce the risk of coastal flooding. Protecting this marine biodiversity is therefore akin to protecting our own territory on land.
The seabed plays the role of a major regulator for several biochemical cycles, including those of carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus. For example, certain species like marine bacteria and phytoplankton capture carbon dioxide (CO2), which limits the amount of this gas in the atmosphere—nice for the climate, right? Then, upon dying, these organisms fall to the bottom and store carbon for a very long time; this is called oceanic carbon sequestration. The same goes for nitrogen: the creatures of the deep contribute to the recycling of nitrogen in various chemical forms, which is essential for other marine life to grow and thrive. Without these little workers from the depths of the sea to keep these mechanisms running smoothly, the overall chemical balance would be seriously disrupted.
Marine meadows, found in coastal waters, play a crucial role in carbon capture, storing up to twice as much CO2 per hectare as terrestrial forests.
It is estimated that only about 5% of the ocean's depths have been explored by humans, leaving a vast portion of marine biodiversity yet to be discovered.
Coral reefs, often referred to as the 'rainforests of the sea', host approximately 25% of the world's marine biodiversity while covering barely 0.1% of the ocean's surface.
Deep marine ecosystems host extremophilic organisms capable of surviving under tremendous pressures and in almost complete darkness, thereby providing avenues for unprecedented technological and scientific innovations.
Marine biodiversity ensures our food supply through fishery resources, contributes to medical advancements by providing molecules for drug manufacturing, and protects coastlines with coral reefs and mangroves that mitigate the impact of storms.
Coral reefs provide essential habitats for thousands of species, serve as a natural barrier protecting coastlines from erosion and large waves, and actively contribute to global biochemical cycles by capturing carbon.
Ocean acidification, primarily caused by carbon dioxide from human activities, reduces the availability of carbonate necessary for marine organisms to form their shells and skeletal structures. This negatively impacts corals, crustaceans, and certain phytoplankton that are essential to the marine food chain.
Everyone can take effective action by reducing their consumption of single-use plastics, opting for fish from responsible sourcing, supporting marine conservation policies, and participating in or supporting environmental organizations working to preserve the oceans.
The main dangers include overfishing, plastic pollution, ocean acidification, the destruction of marine habitats, and global climate change. These factors directly affect the survival and balance of marine species.
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