• Study warns of loss of marine species

Study warns of loss of marine species (Photo : REUTERS/CENTRE FOR MARINE STUDIES, THE UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND/OVE HOEGH-GULDBERG/HANDOUT)

A recent study has warned people of an impending ecological catastrophe as marine wildlife, including reptiles, plant life and fish have dropped in number to dangerous levels, bringing the global population of marine life down to half its original figures during the last 40 years. 

A report prepared by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and Zoological Society in London has revealed that human activity has irreversibly damaged the ocean and its eco system owing to destructive practices and catching fish faster than certain species are capable of reproducing, the BBC reported.

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The report indicates that some aquatic species have suffered the most owing to the loss of habitats and rising temperatures in the sea coupled with an increase in ocean acidity.

The study also referred to as the Living Blue Planet report says a tremendous pressure on the eco system of the ocean globally is being experienced making it difficult for life that exists in the sea to survive.

 Chief adviser on marine policy at the Zoological Society, Dr Louise Heaps, who helped to compile the report, told the channel over exploitation and the destruction of coastal habitats along with not addressing issues of global warming have all contributed through the years to foster a growing "economic ecological catastrophe."

The study has further highlighted that varieties of fish which are relied on for food are even worse with numbers of mackerel and tuna seeing a population drop of 74 percent.

Head of the WWF International Marco Lambertini told Independent that human activity has severely affected nurseries. He added that sea cucumbers, a luxury food in Asia have seen a drastic fall in numbers as much as 94 percent in the Red Sea region alone.