Preservation of Aquatic Life in the Tundra

Most people will never visit the tundra. Though it accounts for 20 percent of the Earth's surface, it is uninhabitable for most types of plants and animals, and few humans live there. However, it still contains diverse aquatic life that is important to the people and animals that inhabit the area. This habitat is under threat from human destruction and climate change. To help out, consider green changes you can make around your home.

  1. Features

    • The Arctic tundra is located at latitudes of 50 to 70 degrees north, occupying much of the northernmost areas of the planet. The tundra includes parts of Canada and Alaska and is characterized by very cold temperatures and low levels of rainfall. Because of these conditions, it is difficult for life to survive there. The environment cannot support trees, and most plant life is moss and lichens. In the short summers, there are bogs and marshlands that draw migratory birds and invertebrate life. The tundra is home to 48 species of mammals, including rodents, rabbits, bears, wolves and caribou.

    Aquatic Life

    • Most of the tundra is ocean, which holds much of our glacial ice. However, the water maintains a fairly even temperature and is home to several species of aquatic life, even in the winter. Most common species are arctic jellyfish, king crabs, seals, the narwhal and beluga whales. Many of the tundra's land animals also depend on aquatic life for food. The most well-known land animal affected by global warming of the tundra is the polar bear, which feeds on the fish and seals of the Arctic Ocean.

    Benefits

    • The tundra is one of the Earth's three major carbon dioxide sinks, which means it takes in more carbon dioxide than it releases. During the summer, plants photosynthesize and remove carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. When they die in the winter, they do not decompose, so the carbon dioxide is trapped in the frozen permafrost, keeping that carbon dioxide from the air. As humans destroy this area, the carbon dioxide is being released, causing an increase in greenhouse gases.

    Warning

    • Because of the tundra's fragile environment, it is extremely sensitive to environmental threats. Mines, oil rigs and other human development such as the Alaska oil pipeline disrupt animal feeding grounds and migrating routes, keeping them from food sources. Tire tracks and footprints cause the permafrost to melt. Humans use pesticides that remove insect populations on which birds and other invertebrate life in aquatic areas depend for survival. Pollution from mining and drilling has polluted lakes and rivers, nearly ruining many habitats. Climate change is also a severe threat. As the permafrost continues to melt, the Earth is losing valuable habitats.

    Prevention/Solution

    • Globally, preserving tundra aquatic life involves education and reduced exploitation of tundra resources. However, there is also much we can do individually. Reducing the need for fossil fuels such as oil eliminates the need to destroy tundra habitat in the search for oil. Try to use less hot water each day. Use your car less by carpooling, walking or biking. Keep your tires at optimum pressure and drive less aggressively to improve gas mileage. Consider purchasing a smaller car or hybrid. Avoid products with a lot of packaging and recycle everything you can.