Ways to Protect the Environment

Overview | Coastal Development | Introduced Species | What is Being Done?

Overview

What is a habitat and why is it important?

All organisms (living things) have a habitat—a home or place where they are able to meet their needs for life. Different organisms meet their needs in different ways; therefore habitats are very diverse. A habitat may be big or small, on land, in the ocean, or deep within hot volcanic rock. The diverse habitats on Earth are all interconnected. They do not have clear borders, not even between land and sea. An example of this is an underwater coral reef habitat connected to a mountain top habitat. When a large storm washes sediment off the land and into the ocean, the sediment may blanket the coral reef. Coral may die as a result, affecting the habitats of many organisms that live in and around coral reefs. This is one example of how a habitat can change. Habitat changes can be caused by natural events such as hurricanes or tsunamis, or by human disturbances.

What are some kinds of marine habitats?

Some marine organisms have large and varied habitats:

Marine habitats include the places where ocean-dwelling organisms live and meet their needs. Many marine animals migrate far distances during the year and use a variety of habitats. For example, sea turtles use the open ocean, coastal areas, and beaches during their lifetimes. They may migrate hundreds of miles between their breeding territory and their feeding territory. Some organisms, such as the Black-footed Albatross, move throughout the entire Pacific Ocean. These birds breed in the Hawaiian Islands and in Japan.

Some marine organisms have very specific habitats:

Some marine organisms live in small and specific habitats that meet their needs. For example, phytoplankton only live in the surface layers of the ocean because phytoplankton need access to sunlight. There are marine bacteria that only live in deep ocean vents where they use sulfur from inside the Earth to produce sugar.

Research Links Related to Protecting Habitats:

• Alaska Native Harbor Seal Commission
  Native Alaskan programs for conservation and preservation of Harbor Seal.
   
• Alaska SeaLife Center -- Harbor Seal
  Photo gallery, scientific and environmental research, causes of decline.
   
• Ballast Water
  Basic Info and Fact Sheets from the MIT Sea Grant, Center for Coastal Resources
   
• Caribbean Conservation Corporation -- Green Sea Turtles
  Teacher resources, coloring pages, online newsletter for kids.
   
• Green Sea Turtle - Conservation Issues and Status
  Basic facts with a focus on conservation status and conservation organizations.
   
• NOAA -- Arctic Theme Page -- Polar Bear
  Discussion of how climate change is affecting Polar Bear populations.
   
• NOAA - Green Sea Turtle with Photos
  Species description and links to recovery plans from the Federal Registry.
   
• NOAA - Lionfish Invasion!
  Interesting story and video about an introduced species--the Lionfish.
   
• NOAA -- Marine Debris Program
  Outreach program and education (Marine 101 class) about marine pollution and clean up off New Hampshire coast.
   
• Penguin Science
  How giant icebergs, disappearing sea ice, and shifting weather patterns are affecting penguins. Has a penguin cam plus video and lots of images.
   
• Stop Rats! - Protect Alaska - Rats are Bad News for People and Wildlife
  Impacts of Rats on Alaskan Islands  how boat owners are working to keep their islands rat-free