1370.0 - Measures of Australia's Progress, 2010  
ARCHIVED ISSUE Released at 11:30 AM (CANBERRA TIME) 15/09/2010   
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Oceans

LINKS TO OTHER DIMENSIONS OF PROGRESS

A range of economic benefits come from our use of coastal and marine resources through activities such as tourism, fishing, trade (shipping) and mining. In turn, these economic activities can place pressure on the condition of our marine and coastal environments. Fishing activity can impact on biodiversity by placing pressure on the stocks of fish, and contributing to the depletion of fish species for marine mammals and birds to prey on.

Human activities and land use patterns that increase nutrients and turbidity in inland waterways (which ultimately flow into the sea) can alter marine habitat by causing a deterioration in water quality. This can lead to other changes in the marine habitat such as the loss of seagrass. Sea temperature increases have been associated with greenhouse gas emissions, which can also alter marine habitats and make it less suitable for some species.

Invasive species put pressure on coastal and marine environments, for example invasive plant species can replace native coastal vegetation communities, altering the habitat and making it less suitable for native animals.

The marine environment and our coast are a source of recreation and leisure for many Australians, and some people prefer to live near the coast. Many of us enjoy going to the beach and visiting coastal National Parks and other reserves as part of our leisure time activities.

See also the sections linked below.

RELATED PAGES

  • Land
  • Inland waters
  • Atmosphere
  • Biodiversity
  • Waste
  • National income
  • Culture and leisure
  •  

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