The document discusses the marine environment, which covers over 70% of the planet and contains 97% of the earth's water. It notes that marine ecosystems hold 80% of all life on the planet and lists species diversity in the Philippines, including over 800 coral species. The marine environment is important for producing oxygen, moderating climate, and providing food and livelihoods. However, it faces threats such as pollution, overfishing, and climate change, negatively impacting species like turtles, sharks, and seahorses. The document encourages learning about and protecting the ocean.

2. • The marine or ocean environment covers over 70% of
our planet (i.e. 139 million square miles, or 360 million
square kilometers)
• They include the seas, bays, estuaries, and coastal
waters
• Contain 97% of the earth’s water
• Marine ecosystems hold 80% of all life on the planet
What is the Marine Environment?

3. Marine and Coastal Ecosystem Species Diversity
SEAGRASSES
481 species
worldwide w/ 16
species found in
the Philippines,
2nd highest in
terms of
seagrass
species richness
in the world.
REEF AND
REEF-
ASSOCIATED
FISHES
3,053 species of
fish found in the
Philippines with
1,658 species
associated with
coral reefs
CORALS
845 species of
scleractinian
(stony) corals in
the world with 500
species found in
the Philippines, 12
species are
endemic; 50+
species of soft
corals
MANGROVES
370 species in
the world with
42 species
found in the
Philippines
(Source: State of the Coral Triangle-Philippines 2014)

4. • Most of the earth’s oxygen is a product of photosynthesis in
ocean organisms
• The fresh water on the earth’s surface comes from the oceans
• The ocean moderates the earth’s climate and affects the weather
• Coral reefs remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and are
thus important for the mitigation of global warming (CI,2008)
Importance of Marine & Coastal Environment

5. • Sources of food and livelihood
• Coastline protection during typhoons
and storm surges
• Habitat, feeding & nursery grounds of
many marine life species
• New sources of anti-cancer medicines
derived from sponges, cone snail,
bryozoans, tunicates & sea cucumber
Importance of Marine & Coastal Environment
Importance of Marine & Coastal Environment

6. • Human-Activities
Pollution
of nearshore waters
from domestic waste,
oil and gas from boats
and ships, and the
accumulation of solid
waste in shallow
areas
Excessive siltation/
sedimentation
due to improper mining,
agriculture, or forestry
practices
Threats to Marine & Coastal Environment
Coastal development
and reclamation for
development of shore
facilities

7. • Human-Activities
Fishpond
Development
Mangroves are being
removed to give way to
the construction of
fishpond
Excessive Harvesting
of marine and coastal
resources, such as,
mangroves for firewood
& fences; sand and coral
rubbles for construction.
Threats to Marine & Coastal Environment
Destructive Fishing
Blast fishing,
“Muro-ami fishing”
Use of Cyanide,
Trawling & other illegal
fishing methods

8. • Natural threats
Crown-of- thorns
Starfish Infestation
Corals eaten away by
the starfish will not
recover and soon die.
Storm & wave surges
Destruction of corals and
nearshore vegetation;
Displacement of some
sea creatures.
Threats to Marine & Coastal Environment
Climate Change
Rise in sea surface
temperature will
cause organisms to
die (bleached).

9. IUCN Red List Conservation Status of Some Marine
Species
Whaleshark (Rhincodon typus)-
Vulnerable
Tresher shark (Alopias vulpinus)-
Vulnerable
Dugong (Dugon dugon) -
Vulnerable
Irriwady dolphin (Orcaella
brevirostris) – Critically
Endangered
Great hammered head shark
(Sphyrna mokarran)-
Endangered
Napoleon wrasse (Cheilinus
undulatus - Endangered

10. Hawksbill turtle (Erythmochelys
imbricata)- Critically Endangered
Olive Ridley (Lepidochelys
olivacea)- Endangered
Leatherback turtle (Dermochelys
coriacea) - Endangered
Loggerhead turtle (Caretta
caretta) – Endangered
Green turtle (Chelonia mydas)-
Endangered
Golden seahorse (Hippocampus
kuda- Vulnerable as for all
other species of seahorses
IUCN Red List Conservation Status of Some Marine
Species

11. What Can you Do for the Marine
Environment?

12. • Learn about the marine environment
• Participate in any environmental events and activities
(See next slide for the Calendar of Events)
• Volunteer with an organization that works to protect the
ocean
• Be mindful of your own environment. Litter and
pollutants can end up in the ocean and harm marine
wildlife
• Practice what you have learned and share them to
others

13. 11. Philippine Eagle Week (June 4-10)
12. World Day to Combat
Desertification (Jun 17)
13. National Arbor Day (Jun 25)
14. International Coastal Cleanup (3rd
Saturday of September/ or any day
from September up to October)
15. International Ozone Day (Sep 16)
16. National Tamaraw Month (Whole
Month of October)
17. International Lead Poisoning
Prevention Week (Oct 20-26)
18. National Clean Air Month / National
Environmental Awareness Month
(Whole Month of November)
19. National Climate Change
Consciousness Week (Nov 19-25)
1. World Wetlands Day (Feb 2)
2. World Wildlife Day (Mar 3)
3. International Day of Forests
(March 21)
4. World Water Day (March 22)
5. Philippine Water Week (4th Week
of March)
6. Earth Hour (4th or Last Saturday
of March)
7. Philippine Earth Month (Whole
Month of April)
8. International Earth Day (Apr 22)
9. National Ocean Month (Whole
Month of May)
10. International Day for Biological
Diversity (May 22)
Calendar of Environmental Events