Stress Mitigation And Sustainability Of Biomass Yields In Large Marine Ecosystems

The future is uncertain for the world's large marine ecosystems. These relatively narrow ocean zones, which produce nearly 95% of useable marine biomass, are becoming increasingly stressed both by natural and anthropogenic changes. The potential for consequent negative effects on global ecologies and economies has aroused major international concern. This new volume is a state-of-the-art update on large marine ecosystems, representing a multidisciplinary effort to develop a more holistic approach to the research, monitoring and mangaement of marine resources.

The future is uncertain for the world's large marine ecosystems. These relatively narrow ocean zones, which produce nearly 95% of useable marine biomass, are becoming increasingly stressed both by natural and anthropogenic changes. The potential for consequent negative effects on global ecologies and economies has aroused major international concern. This new volume is a state-of-the-art update on large marine ecosystems, representing a multidisciplinary effort to develop a more holistic approach to the research, monitoring and mangaement of marine resources.

Ocean plays a significant role in energy production, human health and economy. Seawater, seaweed, microalgae, yeast, bacteria act as feedstock for biofuels and bioproducts. This book focuses on the application of marine biomass for production of energy, fertilizers, nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, bioplastics and other value-added products. It presents technological advancements and optimization strategies for enhancing process efficiency, overcoming challenges and maximizing the potential of marine-based biorefinery. It also describes how marine resources can be applied to wastewater treatment, eco-restoration, environment protection and sustainable development.

In this volume marine experts from countries of East Africa and southern Asia describe the conditions of marine resources of the large marine ecosystems of the Indian Ocean. Countries of the region represent over a quarter of the world's population, most of whom are existing at or below the poverty level. The potentials for economic growth through the development of coastal tourism, mariculture, fisheries, mineral extraction, and oil and gas production are examined by the authors in relation to the need for ensuring the long-term sustainability of marine resources. Case studies of resource assessments presented by several authors illustrate the magnitude of risk from continuing degradation of resources under the prevailing unmanaged conditions extending over much of coastal areas of East Africa and southern Asia. The authors explore the application of multidisciplinary ecosystem-based assessment and management strategies to the future economic development of the large marine ecosystems of the region. With the initiation of science-based management practcies, the ecosystems of the area can provide an important source of economic growth, improved food security, and nutritional benefits to the populations of stakeholders in coastal areas bordering the Indian Ocean

This report signals a new approach to ocean monitoring and management that lays a solid base using the principles of ecology and sustainable development while transcending traditional geopolitical and disciplinary divisions. LMEs are relatively large regions, often including the territorial waters of more than one nation, thus making coordination of monitoring and management highly desirable.