The Importance
of Marine
Wildlife and the
Human Impact
Abera, Brandon, Jerry, Parmin,
Parminder, Shreya, & Yogesh.
Affect of human actions on
marine ecosystem
Indian Point
Work in Progress
Difference in vegetation at
different elevations
 Seaweed
 Rocks and pebbles
Seaweed at low tide
Animals, seaweed and
substrate amount and type at
different quadrates
Area of a quadrate = Length of transect x Width of
transect
 34cm  34cm
 1156cm 2
 1 .2 m 2
Change in Elevation
Density of species at different
distances
Density of Animals = Number of Species
Area of quadrate
Barnacles
Figure 1: Distribution of Barnacles at different
transects
Number of Barnacles (+/-1)
25
20
15
Barnacles
10
5
0
1
3
5
7
9
11
13
15
17
Transect Number
19
21
23
25
Common Periwinkle
Figure 2: Distribution of Common Periwinkle at
different transects
Number of common Periwinkle (+/-1)
30
25
20
15
Common
Periwinkle
10
5
0
1
3
5
7
9
11
13
15
17
Transect Number
19
21
23
25
Smooth Periwinkle
Figure 3: Distribution of Smooth Periwinkle at
different transects
Number of Smooth Periwinkle (+/-1)
3.5
3
2.5
2
Smooth
Periwinkle
1.5
1
0.5
0
1
3
5
7
9
11
13
15
17
Transect Number
19
21
23
25
Dog Periwinkle
Figure 4: Distribution of Dog Periwinkle at
different transects
Number of Dog Periwinkle (+/-1)
3.5
3
2.5
2
1.5
Dog
Periwinkle
1
0.5
0
1
3
5
7
9
11
13
15
17
Transect Number
19
21
23
25
Scuds (Freshwater Shrimp)
Figure 5: Distribution of Scuds at different transects
7
Number of Scuds (+/-1)
6
5
4
Scuds
3
2
1
0
1
3
5
7
9
11
13
15
Transect Number
17
19
21
23
25
Figure 6: Elevation at different transects
110
Overall Elevation (cm)
60
10
1
3
5
7
9
11
13
15
17
19
21
23
25
-40
Elevation
(cm)
-90
-140
Transect Number
Different types of seaweed
Rockweed [fucus]
Sea Lettuce
Why are certain species
abundant in one region and
not other?
Ecological Niche
 The
habitat of an organism and its
function in an ecosystem
 Describes how an organism adapts to its
environment when there is an abundance
or shortage of resources and competitors
 Determines the presence or absence of
species under different circumstances
 Scuds
are freshwater shrimp (Amphipod)
 Hide among the weeds and under rocks
or debris
 Live mostly in areas where there is
concentrated aquatic vegetation
 The highest amount of scuds found in a
quadrate is in number 17
 It consists of 100% knotted rag and 90%
mud
Other factors affecting
presence of species in an
area
 Salinity
 Proximity
to water
 Sunlight intensity
 Elevation
Correlation between elevation
and presence of common
periwinkles
 common
periwinkle is densely located in
areas with low elevation and as the
elevation increases, the density of
common periwinkles decreases
Limiting Factor
a
condition that affects the population of a
certain organism, if it is absent or insufficient in a
habitat
 i.e. the change in elevation was the limiting
factor for the transect lab
 The change in elevation in turn determines:


the vegetation growth (e.g. seaweed) of that
location
the amount of water present at the location
[high/low tide]
Elevation changeVegetation growth
 Depending
on the type of seaweed
present in the location, different species
are found

the type and amount of seaweed
determines the amount of food source
available for the bigger species which
determines the amount of species present
in the region
Elevation changeHigh/Low tides
 the
elevation affects the amount of
waves that reach the location
 determines
whether intertidal or subtidal
organisms will be present in these
locations.
Elevation changeHigh/Low tides
 The
organisms present in these regions will
be determined according to their body
structure, whether they are able to
handle high tides or only low tides.
 Some
organisms prefer lower elevations
since they can easily be spotted by their
predators at high elevations.
Natural Selection of Species
 certain
species are more adaptable to
different habitats, have a higher chance
of surviving than the species that can not
adapt to different conditions
 e.g.
the common periwinkle has a higher
chance of natural selection than the dog
periwinkle and the smooth periwinkle
Natural Selection
 the
common periwinkles are found
throughout the whole transect in different
substrates including gravel, rock and mud
 the
dog periwinkle is only found in two
muddy quadrates and in very small
numbers, due to its low ability to adapt to
different habitats.
Natural Selection
 the
smooth periwinkle, Littorina obtusata,
is able to survive some extreme exposure
and temperature; however it is not as well
adapted to being out of the water as the
rough and common periwinkles
 The
smooth periwinkle’s ecological niche
is the lowest reaches of the lower
intertidal region.
Effects of rising
temperatures on ocean
animals
 We
think of animals such as:
 Polar
Bears
 Sea Turtles
 Right Whales
Polar Bears
 Frozen
Iceland will turn into open water
causing the bears to swim for longer
distances between areas of stable ice.
 That will mean there is less time and
energy for reproduction.
 Polar bear population will go down
Polar Bears Cont.

With rising temperatures, these sea ice is
decreasing in numbers, effectively making the
polar bears travel farther distances between
safe resting places.

Since they use it for hunting, less sea ice
means more competition for ice platforms,
which means more polar bears go hungry
which means that they acquire diseases and
die quicker.
A
2007 report from US geological services
predict that if there is a decline in sea ice,
what is now a 22,000 strong polar bear
population would decrease by two thirds
to just over 14600 by 2050
Polar Bears Cont.
Reduced stock of its primary food...
The Ringed Seal
Delicious
Polar Bears Cont.
 Polar
bears use ice as a platform for
hunting, preying and nesting.
 Also, rise in temperatures means less seals
are alive. Thus, the food is also being
diminished.
 Less food, less ice, same number of polar
bears will lead to more competition,
causing many bears to die off.
Polar Bears Cont.
A
2005 report says if there is a complete
loss of summer sea ice cover, the polar
bears are highly unlikely to survive
Polar Bears Cont.
 Polar
bears are listed under “threatened
species”.
 A threatened species is primarily defined
as “highly likely” to be endangered in the
future
Sea Turtles
 Are
on the list for endangered species.
 Females lay eggs in the sand at beaches.
 Sea turtle gender is largely based on the
temperature during incubation
 This means that if the temperature is high,
the sex ratio will be biased toward
females.
Sea Turtles Cont.
 Low
level beaches like in the Maldives
and the great barrier reefs will be covered
with water if the ice caps melt due to high
temperature.
 This will mean less places to lay eggs on.
 Feeding patterns of the turtles will be
altered since the sea grass beds would be
in decline due to higher water
temperatures
Right Whales
 Endangered
and protected since the mid
1930s
 (300 – 400 individuals left in the world)
 Human activities such as whaling and
commercial fishing is to be blamed.
Right Whales Cont.
 High
temperature means less food for the
zoo plankton.
 Female whales can't prepare for calving
without high amounts of zoo plankton.
 Changes of sea water temperature, wind
and water currents can affect the patch
formation of zoo plankton.
Right Whales Cont.
 Scientists
allege that increase climate
variability or prolonged period of
negative NAO index (causing decline of
zooplankton) will inhibit the already
tenuous recovery of the right whale.
Lobsters
 Cold
blooded, and if temperature rises, it
causes cold blooded animals to use more
energy for respiration, leaving less energy
for growth, feeding, energy storage,
immune response and reproduction.
 Temperature of the ocean floor
immediately dictates success of breeding
and migrating patterns.
Lobsters Cont.
 Research
found that when water
temperature rises above 20.6 C, the
respiration rate increases to a point where
their demand for oxygen exceeds the
supply that is dissolved in the water causing
physiological damage
 Studies have shown rising seawater
temperatures cause/ helps spread lobster
shell disease.
Lobsters Cont.
 One
SURPRISING observation is that there
has been an increase in numbers of
lobsters in the gulf of Maine. scientist
speculate that it may be due to that with
warmer waters, a longer growing season
is spurred, encouraging more rapid
growth, causing lobsters to hatch earlier
and provide better conditions for larval
lobsters.
Soil Fertility and More




The mudflats surrounding the Bay of Fundy were
formed when continental plates parted millions of
years ago. The mud flats, however, were created as
the surrounding cliffs of soft siltstone and shale were
eroded by strong tidal currents in the bay.
The tides can also be contributed to the structure of
the mud flats. Large quantities of minute sediments
flood the coastal area during each tide cycle in
sheltered areas along the coast most of the
sediment remains, creating the mudflats.
When the tide recedes, in the exposed mud surface,
lays millions of small
Crustaceans or their pinhole burrows. Shorebirds feed
on the exposed creatures.


Phytoplankton
The water is very cloudy due to the churning
of the water caused by the tides. Thus,
sunlight cannot reach deep underwater,
preventing the phytoplankton from
photosynthesizing. When the tide recedes,
large deposits of nutrients are left behind, fully
exposed to the sun. Thus, this results in low
productions of phytoplankton production in
the water but extremely high quantities on the
mudflats.
Phytoplankton
Migratory Birds
 At
Johnson's Mills at the Bay of Fundy
shorebirds land to feed on the mudflats.
 The birds feed on tiny marine creatures in
the nutrient rich mudflats before
continuing their migration to the
Canadian artic to South America. Each
bird will eat at least 10-20,000 mud shrimp
every low tide.
Significance of Mud shrimp to
the structure of the Mudflats
 Positive:
 They
build u-shaped burrows which
compact the surrounding sediment. These
tunnels also stick together resulting in a
large network of tiny erosion resistant
tunnels.
 This creates a strong structure within the
mud to protect it from being washed
away by tides.
Significance of Mud shrimp to
the structure of the Mudflats
 Negative:
 They
eat Diatoms, bacteria and many
microorganisms that secrete sticky
organic glue-like organisms which hold
the mud together. The secretions protect
the mud from being easily swept away by
tides.
Types of Soil
 The
mudflats were developed form the
materials deposited by glacial ice in the
form of boulder till, sands, gravels and
fine-textured sediments that settled out in
glacial lakes. They hold mineral content.
The soils closer to the coast consist of
more stone and therefore are more
leached and supplied with less nutrients in
comparison to the upland soils.
Types of Soil Cont.
 Most
soils are acidic. They are acidic due
to the type of material from which the soils
were formed and the very high
precipitation in the region.1000mm of
precipitation in the region results in severe
leaching of certain elements including
calcium, magnesium and potassium from
the surface. This makes it strongly acid
and relatively infertile.
Sediment
 Sediments
are the basis of the mudflat.
Erosion of shorelines (often sedimentary
cliffs) produces the sediments that are
transported to the mudflats. Factors that
make sediments of mudflats stick together
include the presence of diatoms (singlecelled plants), moisture content and
particle size.
Sediment Cont.
 In
the presence of water, smaller particles
have an attractive force between them,
keeping the water molecules locked
between the particles. This keeps the
mudflats moist and prevents the water
from draining out. This affects the amount
of oxygen and relative compounds within
the mudflats; determining the abundance
of species that can live within it.
Salt
 In
the summer, as heat increases
evaporation, the salt content in
the mudflats. This causes stress
within the organisms living in the
habitat. Likewise, if there is
increased freshwater in the
system, then reduced salinity will
also bring upon stress to the
organisms.
Temperature

Temperature can affect the structure of
the mudflats. High temperatures will leave
the mudflats to dry out. Strong winds may
lead to erosion of the mudflats in such
conditions. In colder climates, where the
temperature is below zero, the surface
can freeze. This can have a negative
impact on the organisms whom live in the
habitat. Movement, deficiency of prey
populations, etc. can lead to the decline
of the populations of many species.
 The
rising and falling of tides, alters the
shape of the mudflats. It may cause
erosion, leeching, etc.
Who lives where?
Dichotomous Key



Figuring out a species or genus of an animal
from thousands can be confusing, even with
a description.
A dichotomous key is the simplest and most
efficient way to differ between any kingdom,
phylum, family, genus, and species.
A dichotomous key has both advantages and
disadvantages to it's use, especially when it
comes to individual variation.
How It Works



A dichotomous key is a simple tool which
classifies objects through its natural
descriptions, i.e. smell, colour, texture, shape,
etc.
It starts off with two simple options that define
the object, and then narrows it down while
eliminating all other possible objects.
A series of double statements follow,
eliminating further possibilities and allowing
one to reach a conclusion.
Pros
 Very
effective and efficient
 Easy to use
 Universal
Cons
 Incorrect
information or descriptions can
lead to incorrect conclusions
 Genetic disorders can cause fluctuations
in the specifics vs. the general description
of the organism.
Dichotomous Key
 Interactive
Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nb4zj
967qHs
 Please
visit.
 Created by Yogesh Gupta.
Sea Stars
Sea Star Adhesion
• How well can sea star (Asteroidea)
adhere to a surface (tube feet
strength)?
Sea Star Reactions
• Sea Star reacts
defensively to stress
• Positions itself where
it can hold on
• Widens arms and
spreads out
Tube Feet
 Movement




Use water vascular
system
Changes in water
pressure within the
channels of the
echinoderms
Suctions cups on the oral
side to extend and
contrasts arms for
movement
Move very slowly, most of
adult life spend stationary
Tube Feet
 Feeding
and
Respiration
 Use tube feet to move
food towards the
mouth of the
echinoderm
 Get oxygen from water
sucked in through tube
feet
 Tube feet sensitive,
used to identify and
find food
What we learned
 Echinoderm
are very intelligent and have
developed techniques special to them (flipping
themselves)
 Star
fish have the ability to regenerate broken
limbs
 Studying how they do so aids in regenerative
medicine
 How we differ from other life, and what can
we learn from other life (tissue repair)
Sea Stars: One World
Tube Feet: Uses
 Locomotion
 Passing
food to mouth
 Surface adhesion
Tube Feet: Importance


Allow sea stars to act as keystone predators
Keystone predator: organism that plays
significant role in maintaining structure and
balance in ecological community by
preying on other organisms
How are Sea Stars Keystone
Predators?


Sea stars prey on species that do not have any
other major predators in community (ex. oysters,
clams, mussels)
By preying on these species, sea stars keep them
from overpopulating
Consequences of
Overpopulation



Overpopulation of species such as clams, mussels
and oysters can cause their prey to become
endangered
Overpopulation would also lead to a lack of
biodiversity
Ecosystem would not be able to function properly
Sea Urchins
Phylum Echinodermata (“Spiny Skin”)
 Echinoderm
is the common name for
approximately 6000 living species.
 The Echinoderm Phylum consists of marine
animals such as Starfish, brittle stars, sand
dollars, sea cucumbers, and sea urchins.
 Echinoderms usually have radial symmetry
in their structure.
 As well as being equipped with tube feet.
Echinoderms – Sea Urchins
 They
are found commonly at the bottom
of the ocean. In this case Sea Urchins are
grazers at the bottom of the ocean.
 These grazers are feeders of small
particles at the bottom of the ocean.
 Thus, they are found in the deep sea.
Sea Urchin- Scientific Classification
 The
name sea urchin is a general name used
for around 700 species of echinoderms that
have the same appearance and structure.
 Sea urchins belong to the class Echinoidea.
 Sea urchins with gills belong to the order
Centrechinoida, and those without gills
belong to Cidaroida.
Reproduction
 In
the sea, the male sea urchin will release
his sperm into the sea while the female
urchin releases her eggs.
 When and if the eggs and sperm touch a
new baby urchin will form.
Growth
 Once
the gametes become fertilized, a
larva is formed. For Sea urchins, this larva is
known as a pluteus.
 It is nearly impossible for one to determine
the sex (visually) of the urchin until it
becomes an adult and releases either a
sperm or an egg.
Experiment with Tube Feet
 An
experiment at the trip was attempted
to test the adhesion of the sea urchin to a
surface.
 The purpose of this was to see how the
tube feet are used and how it can come
in handy for the echinoderms in the sea.
Materials
 Multiple
Sea Urchins (Depending on the
number of trials desired)
 Fishing Line
 Plastic Bag
 Rocks (gravel) – substitution for lead weights
 Upside Down Stool
 Large Bowls
 Salt Water
 Centigram Balance (1 decimal place)
 Paper Towels
Procedure

Before we proceed with the experiment,
gather all the required materials and create a
controlled a clean space in order to erect the
apparatus. To test the sea urchin’s adhesion
force limit, we will create a pulley system
where the load will be attached to the sea
urchin after it adheres to the bowl when
submerged in salt water. The following
diagram will give a visual representation of
how the apparatus will look after created.
Based on this apparatus and specified materials, the
following data was produced (under specific and
special circumstances).
Sea Urchin # (picked
randomly*)
Mass of Sea Urchin (g) ±0.01g
Adhesion Force Limit (g) ±β
1
37.8
313.9
2
14.8
295.5
3
3.2
27.1
4
15.2
45.1
5
35.8
96.4
6
54.7
553.5
7
45.8
456.2
8
3.8
72.0
9
24.7
30.6
10
55.1
176.2
*Note: Various urchins were used; a different urchin was selected every time to generate different results and to create a broader scope in
order to make a general consensus.
β – Due to the fact that rocks were used as weights, the actual adhesion force limit is not very precise. Rocks have various weights and
sizes and thus we create variability in the data. Thus, this is a close estimate rather than actual statistics.
Analysis



If we take a look at the data we can see a
trend: As the mass of the sea urchin increases,
statistically speaking, it will be able to
produce a larger adhesion force limit rather
to that of a smaller mass.
This is a result of a larger sea urchin (the one
with the more mass) would have more tube
feet genetically and a greater surface area
to disperse the adhesion.
With more tube feet along a surface the sum
of the individual adhesions culminate into a
larger and greater adhesion force limit.
Structure
Sea Urchins: One World
Tube Feet: Uses




Locomotion
Passing food to mouth
Surface adhesion
Prevent larvae of other organisms from settling on their
surface
Tube Feet: Importance


Capture algae from coral reef
as food
Feeding on algae prevents
algae from overpopulating
and smothering coral reef
Coral Reef: Importance
 Serves
as habitat to many
different species and provides
many of basic essentials for life
Effects of Algae
Overpopulation




Could smother coral reef, leaving little space
for other organisms to live
Lack of biodiversity
Shortage of food supply for other organisms
Endangerment of other species
References

2009, Mudflat Ecology; Mudshrimp in the Bay
of Fundy, The Nature Conservancy of
Canada [Internet]. [cited 2010 August 21];
7:30. Available from:
http://www.natureconservancy.ca/site/News2?page=N
ewsArticle&id=9683&news_iv_ctrl=0&abbr=at_ncc_

Irving Nature Park, new-brunswick.net
[Internet]. [cited 2010 August 23];
9:45.Available from: http://newbrunswick.net/new-brunswick/inp/page1.htm
References

Soil Fertility Guide; Factors Affecting Plant
Growth Internet]. [cited 2010 August 15]; 8:45
Available from:
http://www.nr.gov.nl.ca/agric/soil_land_new/p
dfiles/fertilguide.pdf

T.W. Bruulsema, 2006, Soil Fertility in the
Northeast Region [Internet]. [cited 2010 August
13]; 2:35. Available from:
http://www.ipni.net/ppiweb/bcrops.nsf/$webin
dex/3D4FAE77DF7E1CC78525711000150B52/$fil
e/06-1p08.pdf
References

2010, Tidal Mudflats, Fisheries and Oceans
Canada [Internet]. [cited 2010 August
21];7:30. Available from: http://www.glf.dfompo.gc.ca/e0005906#sediment

2010, Phytoplankton, LiveScience [Internet].
[cited 2010 August 5]; 6:00. Available from:
http://www.livescience.com/php/multimedia
/imagedisplay/img_display.php?pic=ig29_ph
ytoplankton_02.jpg&title=Phytoplankton&cap
=Biologists+believe+that+bacterial+plankton+
accounts+for+80%25+or+more+of+all+photos
ynthetic+activity+in+the+open+ocean.
References

Lexa B. Robidoux, 2009, Water, [Internet]. [cited
2010 August 19]; 8:00. Available from:
http://www.phathebook.com/?p=369

2009, Heath Freedom Resources [Internet]. [cited
2010 August 20]; 10:30. Available from:
http://www.healthfree.com/celtic_sea_salt.html

Rolf Hicker Photogaphy, 2010, Rolf Hicker
Photogaphy [Internet]. [cited 2010 August6]; 9:30.
Available from:
http://www.hickerphoto.com/water-andpowerful-waves-9269-pictures.htm
Refernces

Tidal fall in the Bay of Fundy, Undersea Landscapes
[Internet]. [cited 2010 August 12]; 1:00. Available from:
http://www.gma.org/undersea_landscapes/Bay_of_Fundy/

Myriam A. Barbeau, Antony W. Diamond, Diana J.
Hamilton, Quantifying Relationships Among Species on
Intertidal Mudflats in the Uppr Bay of Fundy: CommunityLevel Interactions and the Influence of Abiotic Factors,
[Internet]. [cited 2010 August 17]; 12:40. Available from:
http://docs.informatics.management.dal.ca/gsdl/collect/b
ofep1/import/WE_HTML/BOFEP5-2002-209.htm

Climate change: the effects on ocean animals. New
England Aquarium Home. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Aug. 2010.
http://www.neaq.org/conservation_and_research/climate_
change/effects_on_ocean_animals.php