Page 13 - AHATA

Wednesday 24 May 2023 locAl
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Ocean Threats Episode CCVII – 207

Aruba is a highly demanded tourist destination with a
fragile ecosystem on a very small piece of earth, cov-
ering thousands of years of human history and millions
in geological terms. Our native heritage teaches us to
love and value the little things of life we have when
living on an island; our greatest desire becomes to
protect and preserve them with all our might. Here is
where our main objective comes to mind: educating
our visiting readers about Aruba’s cultural heritage.

Colorful marine life, exotic fish, coral reefs, sea turtles,
etc. were part of our underwater landscape that you
could enjoy with simple snorkel gear. It was so com-
mon to see seashells, sand dollars, and hundreds of
starfish; the red Caribbean starfish’s bright color would
contrast perfectly with the sand below the blue. We
did enjoy a daily biodiversity, which in recent years has
suffered alarming consequences caused by the care-
lessness, exploitation, and ignorance of consumers.

that marine species tend to have con- rine biodiversity, which affects the entire
Until recently, attention to biodiversity was focused on sistently lower rates of extinction in both ecosystem. This situation has become
rainforests due to the constant discovery of new spe- geological and ecological time. particularly evident in coral reefs, which
cies, the potential uses of their genetic diversity, and are the most diverse and complex ma-
their gradual disappearance. This statement has been related to the rine ecosystems and home to thousands
buffer capacity of the marine environ- of species.
Thankfully, in recent years, interest in marine biodiver- ment, in which it is possible to better
sity has received more attention. withstand any type of alteration, allow- The eutrophication of coastal waters
Although there is no consensus among scientists about ing marine species to tend to be less causes blooms of green macro algae,
the estimation of biodiversity in general, it is recognized prone to extinction processes than ter- which can damage different organ-
not only that it is essential for the survival of the human restrial species. However, different fac- isms. Harmful algal blooms float to the
species but also that it is in serious danger due to mul- tors in marine and coastal ecosystems surface in ‘’foam’” and deplete oxygen
tiple human activities. The estimates made are subject are causing an increase in the rate of in the water. Some species of algae
to constant changes as a result of the discovery of new decline of species and degradation of produce toxins that alter cellular pro-
species and the systematic reorganization of existing these ecosystems, which has been re- cesses in other organisms, from plankton
ones, as well as the increase in scientific effort, the ex- flected in diseases, local extinctions of to humans. The most severe and memo-
ploration of new areas, and the incorporation of new species, the decline of some popula- rable effects are the massive mortality
identification and analysis technologies. tions, and the homogenization of com- of fish, birds, and mammals (including
munities. humans), and they have a negative im-
It is recognized that the marine environment contains pact on marine biodiversity and coastal
complex and biodiverse ecosystems such as coral Human activities and unregulated ex- ecosystems.
reefs, seagrass beds, macro algae, mangrove forests ploitation have changed our submarine
which provide essential uses and services for a large landscapes dramatically while dimin- If you love to know everything about
part of the human population. Based on evidence ishing the population of local species. Aruba, do something off the “tourist
from modern and fossil records, it has been suggested Overfishing, pollution, the introduc- grid” and surprise yourself by visiting Et-
tion of non-native species, and glob- nia Nativa, a private residential museum
al changes such as climate change and unique place that introduces you
and ocean acidification are the main to an authentic glimpse of the island’s
threats to marine biodiversity today. cultural heritage.
We have a dump that rolls into the sea,
black waters, plastics, suntan, engine Since 1994, Etnia Nativa has been the
oil, and drifting garbage all along our home of Anthony, a native artist and “Is-
northern coast. land-Insight” blogger who guides each
Among the main pollutants affecting visitor through resplendent collections
the ocean are oil spills, untreated sew- from his family heritage dating back
age discharge, industrial pollutants, sol- to 1640, when the Dutch occupation
id waste, and pesticides. began. Visit it and feel the true native
effect! https://www.arubatoday.com/
On the other hand, overexploitation of category/columns/island-insight/
fishing resources leads to the local or
regional extinction of many species. In R.S.V.P. WhatsApp +297 592 2702 or mail
coastal environments, overexploitation etnianativa03@gmail.com.
is the first cause of the extinction of ma-