Marine Systems (AEW-22806)
Summary: Invitation to Oceanography Chapter 14-16
Nienke Klerks 2017
Chapter 14: The oceans resources
14.1. Law of the sea
there is a rising conflict over the ownership of open oceans due to the rapid growth of world
commerce that need ships and the need for marine resources. Law of the Sea = treaty for
regulating the exploitation of resources of the continental shelf → water seabed and
subseabed resources of any sector of the continental shelf are under the direct control of the
country that owns the nearest land. Law of the Sea Treaty (1982) states:
seas defined as extending seaward for 12 nautical miles are under the direct
jurisdiction of the adjoining coastal nation
Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) extends offshore foor 200 nautical miles
vessels have the right of free passage in waters outside the teritorial seas and
through international straints
Private exploitation of marine resources in the high seas that lie beyond the EEZ
requires approval by the International Seabed Authority (ISA)
EEZ regulates 40% of worlds ocean, rest belongs to everyone.
14.2. Mineral resources
Resources:
Petroleum contain hydrogen and carbon. the oil is converted to gas (methane) =
‘chemical cooking’.They pump the oil.
Gas hydrates have been found in sediment in polar regions. These are frozen water
molecules that capture methane. So a lot of natural gas. Difficult to extract this gas.
Sand and gravel deposits = natural aggregations of unconsolidated sediment with
grains larger than 0.0625 mm in diameter. This are high energy deposits. It is a
mundane resource,, but in some regions priceless. Important source for building
material. Mining of these materials can have big influences on the surrounding
ecosystem.
Manganese nodules = on the sand bottom which lot of metals in it. But expensive to
mine. Mostly in the deep sea.
Cobalt rich crust
Phosphate deposits: All living organisms need phosphate in order to grow. 3 main
regions with phosphate: Morocco, southern California and Carolinas. source around
2050 depleted.
Nienke Klerks Summary Invitation to Oceanography Ch. 14-16 1
, 14.3. Living resources
Marine finfish can be divided in:
pelagic fish: in water column
groundfish: on the ground
Mammals are also extensively hunted. Examples of commercially important fish: anchovy,
hake, mackerel, haddock, tuna and cod. These fishes in water of continental shelves or
upwelling regions. Due to some fishing techniques like trawling, there is a lot of bycatch.
large scale commercial fishing is possible only with the support of major government
subsidies and large tax incentives. in 1970 13 thousands of tons billion tons fish, in 1992 25
thousands of tons.
Mariculture = farming the seas. Finfish, shellfish and algae are raised under favourable
conditions to harvest later for human consumption. Goal is to maximize growth in shortest
amount of time. Examples: oysters, mussels, shrimp, salmon, plaice.Interest in mariculture is
growing. ¼ fish is from here. cultivation methods can be chosen to conform with local
resources. They think that mariculture will not be able to have sufficient food for the growing
population.
Chapter 15: The human presence in the ocean
15.1. Pollution: What is it?
many pollutants are not visible. pollution = introduction by man, directly or indirectly, of
substances or energy into the marine environment resulting in deleterious effects. oceans
pollutants: hydrocarbons, heavy metals, nutrients and synthetic chemicals. In 3 parts of the
ocean:
sea bottom
concentrated along pycnoclines that separate water masses of different densities
dissolved and solid wastes can collect at the interface between sea and air = neuston
layer
one in the ocean, pollutants are broken down by different processes.
15.2. Hydrocarbons in the sea
crude oil/petroleum = oil found in sedimentary deposits. distillation = seperate crude oil into
‘cuts’ which yields kerosene, diesel fuell and gasoline. emulsification = suspension of liquid
in another liquid. spreading due to waves and currents. light fractions evaporate, water
soluble dissolve and heavy become globules. oil compounds are toxic for marine organisms.
Most impact of oil on wetlands,salt marshes and mangroves. bioremediation = stimulating
the growth of microorganism that actively feed on peutroleum compounds. Best option is
the prevention of tanker collisions and accidents.
15.3. Municipal and industrial effluent
Nienke Klerks Summary Invitation to Oceanography Ch. 14-16 2
Summary: Invitation to Oceanography Chapter 14-16
Nienke Klerks 2017
Chapter 14: The oceans resources
14.1. Law of the sea
there is a rising conflict over the ownership of open oceans due to the rapid growth of world
commerce that need ships and the need for marine resources. Law of the Sea = treaty for
regulating the exploitation of resources of the continental shelf → water seabed and
subseabed resources of any sector of the continental shelf are under the direct control of the
country that owns the nearest land. Law of the Sea Treaty (1982) states:
seas defined as extending seaward for 12 nautical miles are under the direct
jurisdiction of the adjoining coastal nation
Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) extends offshore foor 200 nautical miles
vessels have the right of free passage in waters outside the teritorial seas and
through international straints
Private exploitation of marine resources in the high seas that lie beyond the EEZ
requires approval by the International Seabed Authority (ISA)
EEZ regulates 40% of worlds ocean, rest belongs to everyone.
14.2. Mineral resources
Resources:
Petroleum contain hydrogen and carbon. the oil is converted to gas (methane) =
‘chemical cooking’.They pump the oil.
Gas hydrates have been found in sediment in polar regions. These are frozen water
molecules that capture methane. So a lot of natural gas. Difficult to extract this gas.
Sand and gravel deposits = natural aggregations of unconsolidated sediment with
grains larger than 0.0625 mm in diameter. This are high energy deposits. It is a
mundane resource,, but in some regions priceless. Important source for building
material. Mining of these materials can have big influences on the surrounding
ecosystem.
Manganese nodules = on the sand bottom which lot of metals in it. But expensive to
mine. Mostly in the deep sea.
Cobalt rich crust
Phosphate deposits: All living organisms need phosphate in order to grow. 3 main
regions with phosphate: Morocco, southern California and Carolinas. source around
2050 depleted.
Nienke Klerks Summary Invitation to Oceanography Ch. 14-16 1
, 14.3. Living resources
Marine finfish can be divided in:
pelagic fish: in water column
groundfish: on the ground
Mammals are also extensively hunted. Examples of commercially important fish: anchovy,
hake, mackerel, haddock, tuna and cod. These fishes in water of continental shelves or
upwelling regions. Due to some fishing techniques like trawling, there is a lot of bycatch.
large scale commercial fishing is possible only with the support of major government
subsidies and large tax incentives. in 1970 13 thousands of tons billion tons fish, in 1992 25
thousands of tons.
Mariculture = farming the seas. Finfish, shellfish and algae are raised under favourable
conditions to harvest later for human consumption. Goal is to maximize growth in shortest
amount of time. Examples: oysters, mussels, shrimp, salmon, plaice.Interest in mariculture is
growing. ¼ fish is from here. cultivation methods can be chosen to conform with local
resources. They think that mariculture will not be able to have sufficient food for the growing
population.
Chapter 15: The human presence in the ocean
15.1. Pollution: What is it?
many pollutants are not visible. pollution = introduction by man, directly or indirectly, of
substances or energy into the marine environment resulting in deleterious effects. oceans
pollutants: hydrocarbons, heavy metals, nutrients and synthetic chemicals. In 3 parts of the
ocean:
sea bottom
concentrated along pycnoclines that separate water masses of different densities
dissolved and solid wastes can collect at the interface between sea and air = neuston
layer
one in the ocean, pollutants are broken down by different processes.
15.2. Hydrocarbons in the sea
crude oil/petroleum = oil found in sedimentary deposits. distillation = seperate crude oil into
‘cuts’ which yields kerosene, diesel fuell and gasoline. emulsification = suspension of liquid
in another liquid. spreading due to waves and currents. light fractions evaporate, water
soluble dissolve and heavy become globules. oil compounds are toxic for marine organisms.
Most impact of oil on wetlands,salt marshes and mangroves. bioremediation = stimulating
the growth of microorganism that actively feed on peutroleum compounds. Best option is
the prevention of tanker collisions and accidents.
15.3. Municipal and industrial effluent
Nienke Klerks Summary Invitation to Oceanography Ch. 14-16 2
