Aquatic ecosystem is simply an environment where there exists either pure or mixed interaction of plants, animals, and microorganisms. Included among these ecosystems are oceans, lakes, rivers, and wetlands; these are concerned with sustaining life on Earth. The balance in aquatic ecosystems is very delicate and is prone to change by factors such as temperature, nutrients, and human activities. Aquatic ecosystems offer various benefits to humans and nature. For instance, they purify water, support biodiversity, and regulate the climate. In case such ecosystems did not exist, many species would be at risk of survival, and the environment would suffer from the loss of natural functions.
- Aquatic ecosystems include freshwater and marine ecosystems.
- They host species from fish to plankton.
- Healthy ecosystems offer the species food, oxygen, and pure water.
| GS Paper | GS Paper I, GS Paper III, GS Paper II |
| Topics for UPSC Prelims | Basics of Aquatic Ecosystem, Types of Aquatic Ecosystems, Concepts like Eutrophication and Algal Blooms, Important Wetlands and Ramsar Sites in India, |
| Topics for UPSC Mains | Role of aquatic ecosystems in climate regulation and biodiversity, Conservation strategies for endangered aquatic species and habitats, Impacts of human activities, Government initiatives for the protection of wetlands and coral reefs, Role of aquatic ecosystems in socio-economic development |
Types of Aquatic Ecosystems
Aquatic ecosystems have two main types namely; freshwater and marine ecosystems. Freshwater includes lakes, rivers, and ponds while marine Ecosystems include oceans, seas, and estuaries. Its habitats support species such as fish and amphibians, while marine environments sustain diverse species, such as coral reefs and whales.
Freshwater Ecosystems
The freshwater ecosystem consists of lakes, rivers, ponds, and streams. They are less salty than marine ecosystems and allow the existence of freshwater species only. Aquatic plants and fish, as well as amphibians, exist here. They are essential for supplying fresh water to humans.
Lakes Ponds
Lakes and ponds are freshwater bodies, though ponds are usually smaller and shallower than lakes. They provide habitats for species such as frogs, insects, and algae. The lakes and the ponds offer access to fresh water for human consumption and resorts.
Rivers and Streams
Rivers and streams are flowing water bodies that house fish, birds, and other species of amphibians. They carry nutrients and maintain the cycle of the process of water movement.
Marine Ecosystems
Marine ecosystems encompass oceans, seas, and estuaries that have a greater diversity of life. Oceans include salty systems that house whales, corals, and sea turtles. They serve to regulate the Earth’s temperature and contribute to commercial fishing.
Oceans
Oceans are the largest aquatic ecosystems on Earth, covering more than 70% of the planet’s surface. They harbor the most diverse range of species that consist of mammals, fish, and coral reefs. Oceans give food, medicine, and recreation.
Estuaries
Estuaries are that portion of a freshwater river system where the river flows into the sea. The portions are dynamic and have varying salinity and also have diverse species such as crabs, birds, and fish. Most marine species are nurtured within estuaries and contribute to recycling nutrients.
Importance of Aquatic Ecosystems
Aquatic ecosystems are necessary in supporting biodiversity, regulating climate on earth, and providing resources that include food and water. They produce oxygen, purify water, and provide a habitat for several species. These systems, therefore need to be preserved so that the environment remains stable and humans survive. They lead to their conservation.
Role in Biodiversity
These aquatic ecosystems support thousands of species. On these, many species rely for food, shelter, and even reproduction. Biodiversity therefore is an assurance that our environment is stable and sustainable.
Production of Oxygen
Plants in aquatic ecosystems, especially oceans, are responsible for the production of a huge percentage of oxygen in the world. The phytoplankton in the ocean undergoes photosynthesis; this contributes to the oxygen which gives life on Earth its breath.
Removal of Water Impurities
Water purification entails the removal of water pollutants and toxic substances. Wetlands retain sediments and absorb more nutrients in water, hence making it better. This mechanism ends up having no extensive and expensive techniques to treat water.
Threats to Aquatic Systems
Aquatic ecosystems suffer from chemical and plastic pollution, climate change that warms up the waters, and overfishing that disrupts marine food chains. All of them damage biodiversity, break ecosystems like coral reefs, and threaten the balance of life in freshwater and marine environments, making urgent conservation actions inevitable.
Pollution
Some of the greatest threats to aquatic ecosystems include pollution. Chemicals, plastics, and litter dumped into water bodies are capable of causing dangers to the ecological balance that inhabits those environments. Most marine animals mistake plastic with food and suffer injurious or fatal results.
Climate Change
Rising global temperatures due to climate change warm the water bodies disturbing species that are sensitive to specific temperature ranges. Warmth destroys the corals as they bleach and turn white and die.
Overfishing
Overfishing destroys the fish population and the marine food chain is disturbed. Some species even reach a stage where they are on the extinction list, which affects the whole system. Sustainable fishery management is called for to safeguard such species.
Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems
Aquatic ecosystems focus on the preservation and rehabilitation of water settings; ocean waters, rivers, and lakes are some of them. This covers efforts in pollution reduction, fishing regulation, the creation of Marine Protected Areas, and habitat restoration of coral reefs, among others. Biologically rich and maintaining ecological balance are also among the reasons for the protection of biodiversity through sustainable practices.
Sustainable Practices
Humans need to embrace responsible practices that will ensure the marine ecosystem is protected. Conservation of marine resources could involve reduced use of plastics, decreased utilization of chemical pollutants, and assisting marine conservation.
Marine Protected Areas
Marine protected areas are areas where human activities are restricted due to the preservation of the marine ecosystem. In these regions, species have regained themselves and maintained their diversity. Governments of different countries are establishing MPAs as a way of combating overfishing and pollution.
Conservation Projects
Restorative efforts for damaged aquatic ecosystems exist around the world. Replanting mangrove areas helps protect the coastline and its ecosystems from storms, in addition to improving their biodiversity. Restoration efforts focus on rebuilding the destroyed coral reefs.
Conclusion
Aquatic ecosystems are significant to nature and mankind because, first of all, food, and water supply, regulate the climate of the planet, and, generally, further life. Preservation is an obligation not only of nature but also toward the well-being of generations. Green practices in international conservation efforts will revive the balance in these aquatic ecosystems as a means of supporting life on Earth.
| Aquatic Ecosystem UPSC Notes |
| 1. Aquatic ecosystems are water-based environments that support interactions between plants, animals, and microorganisms. 2. These ecosystems include freshwater (lakes, rivers) and marine (oceans, seas) environments, which play a vital role in sustaining life. 3. Freshwater ecosystems provide essential resources like drinking water and are home to species such as fish, amphibians, and plants. 4. Marine ecosystems, including oceans, regulate Earth’s climate, provide food, and support species like whales, corals, and fish. 5. Pollution, climate change, and overfishing pose major threats to aquatic ecosystems, disrupting biodiversity and ecological balance. 6. Conservation efforts like Marine Protected Areas and ecosystem restoration aim to preserve aquatic biodiversity and promote sustainability. |
