What are some Neritic zone human impacts?

The neritic zone, also called the continental shelf, is the part of the ocean that is closest to the shore. It is a hugely productive area that supports fisheries, aquaculture, shipping, recreation, and other economic activities. However, human activities in the neritic zone can also have negative impacts on marine life and ecosystems.

Some of the main neritic zone human impacts include:

- Overfishing: Overfishing can lead to declines in fish populations, which can disrupt marine food webs and damage coral reefs.

- Pollution: Pollution from land and sea can contaminate the water and sediment in the neritic zone, harming marine life. Sources of pollution include sewage, fertilizers, pesticides, oil, and plastics.

- Habitat destruction: Habitat destruction can result from coastal development, dredging, mining, and other activities. It can destroy coral reefs, seagrass beds, and other important habitats for marine life.

- Climate change: Climate change can affect the neritic zone by warming the water, which can cause coral bleaching and other negative impacts on marine life. It can also lead to sea-level rise, which will inundate coastal areas and displace marine life.

These are just a few of the human impacts that can affect the neritic zone. By understanding these impacts, we can take steps to mitigate their effects and protect this critically important ecosystem.