What is ocean exploitation?

Definition. The exploitation of the sea for its food resources, mineral resources and energy and water sources.

What is illegal in the sea?

Illegal activities at sea include violations of fishing laws, poaching, disregard of marine protected areas and pollution. Such actions pollute or destroy delicate marine habitats – including coral reefs or sea turtle nesting beaches – and they deplete fish stocks and disrupt the entire marine food chain.

As climate change causes sea ice in our polar oceans to melt and air pollution increases the acidity of our oceans, the degradation of our oceans is accelerating. Sea water temperatures and sea levels have already begun to rise and change ocean currents.

What is abuse of the sea?

Human trafficking, corruption, exploitation and other illegal abuses, combined with a lack of policing and proper enforcement of international laws, are the unfortunate reality of much maritime activity.

Who owns the oceans and seas?

We all own the oceans, and yet none of us do. It's an enigma. For centuries, beginning with the Age of Exploration, when ships were developed that could transport people around the globe, the governments representing people like you, the owner of the oceans, agreed that no one owned the seas.

Why shouldn't you drink sea water if you're thirsty?

Human kidneys can only make urine that is less salty than salt water. In order to get rid of all the excess salt that is ingested by drinking sea water, you must therefore urinate more water than you drank. Eventually you will die of dehydration, even if you get more thirsty.

How does illegal fishing work in the sea?

As seen here off the coast of Indonesia, smaller fishing vessels transfer their illegally caught fish to larger refrigerated transport ships (refrigerators). The fishing vessels are replenished with fuel and supplies at the same time so that they can remain at sea for many months.

Exploitation is a legal term that refers to the act of using something in a cruel or unfair way. Typically someone exploits an individual, object or resource for personal gain. Generally, exploitation refers to the act of taking unfair advantage of someone. Exploitation laws vary based on state interpretation.

Is it illegal for an employer to exploit an employee?

Exploitation of employees can be legal or illegal. Illegal exploitation of employees occurs when an employer oversteps the legal protections of their workers for their own benefit.

How do we try to stop overfishing in the oceans?

Efforts to stop overfishing have been to establish "marine protected areas" where fishing is illegal. Aquaculture has been established to reduce the pressure on wild species, but it often leads to environmental waste and food safety and health problems.