‘It is impossible to achieve economic development within marine ecosystems whilst adhering to the principals of sustainability.’

To what extent do you agree with this view?

AO1 – Knowledge and understanding of a range of economic activities taking place in marine ecosystems. Knowledge and understanding of the concept of sustainability in marine ecosystems.

AO2 – Application of knowledge and understanding to evaluate the challenge and conflict associated with achieving both economic development and sustainability in marine ecosystems. There should be some analysis and evaluation of the extent to which the statement is valid.

Notes for answers

AO1

The concept of biodiversity. Local and global trends in biodiversity. Causes, rates and potential impacts of declining biodiversity. These concepts should be specifically adapted to marine ecosystems. The role of human activity in reducing / negatively impacting upon marine biodiversity is likely to be a feature
Ecosystems and their importance for human populations in the light of continuing population growth and economic development. Human populations in ecosystem development and sustainability. This should be specifically related to marine ecosystems. The role of human activity in exploiting marine ecosystems for economic or subsistence gain.
Factors influencing the changing of ecosystems, including climate change and human exploitation of the global environment. This should be specifically related to marine ecosystems. There should be consideration of the extent to which marine ecosystems have become increasingly vulnerable and fragile as a result of human activity and climate change.
Ecosystem responses to changes in one or more of their components or environmental controls. This should consider the ecological response i.e. the impact of climate change and economic exploitation of marine ecosystems.
Typical development issues in marine ecosystems to include changes in population, economic development, implications for biodiversity and sustainability. This is likely to focus upon fishing and tourism as two of the major threats to the marine ecosystem.
The distribution and main characteristics of coral reef ecosystems. Environmental conditions associated with reef development. This may form part of an introduction to highlight the background as well as helping to identify geographical locations of areas under particular threat.
Factors in the health and survival of reefs:

Natural: Water temperature, acidity, salinity, algal blooms.
Human activity and its impact: Major drainage basin schemes, onshore development, desalination, pollution, tourism, fishing.
Future prospects for coral reefs with reference to named case studies.

AO2

Evaluation – Responses may start with definitions of sustainability or sustainable development. This may involve evaluation of the inherent conflict associated with economic development and sustainable development. In this sense, economic development requires some form of exploitation of the environment and/or its natural resources. Sustainable development is concerned with conserving the environment and natural resources (without depletion) so that future generations experience no significant deterioration in access to those resources and associated quality of life. This would constitute a more sophisticated awareness of the demands of the question.
Analysis and evaluation – expect analysis to consider a range of human activity aimed at economic development in marine ecosystems. Evaluation should consider the impact of this economic development and whether it could be considered sustainable. For example:
Analysis and evaluation of the impact of different types of Fishing, including dynamite fishing and collecting tropical fish for aquariums or human consumption. These actions can result in shifts in species size and composition in the reefs, decreasing the biodiversity and coral cover and endangering the future of the impacted reefs. Current practices, many will argue are unsustainable. This could be exemplified eg One issue is the capture of live fish to be put in aquariums or served in specialty restaurants. Fish are caught live in Indo-Pacific countries like the Philippines because they can fetch a much higher price. This particularly affects the 'grouper' species as they are very popular in restaurants in East Asia. It has been calculated that the live reef food business in East Asia is worth over $1 billion. Clearly this would be considered as unsustainable practice despite providing substantial economic potential. Catching juvenile fish has a serious impact upon the reproductive profile of the population. Others may consider the impact of cyanide or dynamite fishing with its associated negative impact upon the reef health including coral and bleaching and destruction. There may also be consideration of the impact of trawler fishing and dredging, none of which are considered sustainable.
Analysis and evaluation of more sustainable economic development may also be undertaken. The reason for this approach is show that there are more sustainable solutions which still allow for the needs of locals to be met whilst conserving these marine ecosystems for future generations. This is likely to focus upon education around development of tourism as an alternative income generator:

Mooring buoys protect the reefs from anchoring. Educational programs for boat divers, tour guides and tourists about reef maintenance and protection.
Implementing regular beach and reef clean-ups, removing potentially polluting debris.
Eradicating destructive fishing by setting up educational outreach programs and co-operative patrols between local government, central government and the fishermen.
Development of sustainable projects that will provide the community with income.
Setting up school educational programs about reef conservation and waste management.

Level 4 Description (16–20 marks)

Detailed evaluative conclusion that is rational and firmly based on knowledge and understanding which is applied to the context of the question. (AO2)
Detailed, coherent and relevant analysis and evaluation in the application of knowledge and understanding throughout (AO2).
Full evidence of links between knowledge and understanding to the application of knowledge and understanding in different contexts (AO2).
Detailed, highly relevant and appropriate knowledge and understanding of place(s) and environments used throughout (AO1).
Full and accurate knowledge and understanding of key concepts and processes throughout (AO1).
Detailed awareness of scale and temporal change which is well integrated where appropriate (AO1).

Marine Ecosystems (AQA A Level Geography)

Topic Questions