Conservation issues: Oceanic ecosystems

Marine biodiversity is valued for its direct utility for people, the ecosystem services it provides, and its intrinsic worth. Marine ecosystems are subject to a variety of anthropogenic threats including disease, pollution, climate change, habitat alteration, overexploitation, and invasive species. Natural threats, such as physical destruction by storms and temperature and salinity changes from natural cycles, also occur. A suite of conservation approaches are used to protect these ecosystems and involve monitoring, management, and international cooperation. Here, we discuss the main threats and conservation strategies for marine ecosystems, as well as offer suggestions for research areas and improved conservation measures.