A-Level AQA Geography Antarctica as a Global Common: Outline threats to Antarctica fr

Outline threats to Antarctica from fishing and whaling. - AQA - A-Level Geography - Question 1 - 2022 - Paper 2

Question 1

Outline threats to Antarctica from fishing and whaling.

Worked Solution & Example Answer:Outline threats to Antarctica from fishing and whaling. - AQA - A-Level Geography - Question 1 - 2022 - Paper 2

Step 1

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Answer

Overfishing of krill: Antarctic marine ecosystems rely heavily on krill as a fundamental food source. Overfishing can lead to a significant decrease in krill population, affecting species such as penguins and seals that depend on them for food.
Impact on fish populations: The aggressive harvesting of fish species has led to the over-exploitation of certain varieties, which undermines the equilibrium of the marine environment. This can result in a decline in biodiversity and disrupt food chains.
Fishing practices: Certain fishing methods can damage the ocean floor, which is home to unique benthic communities. This destruction can alter habitats vital for various species.
Illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing: IUU fishing exacerbates the threat to sustainable fish populations, as it often involves practices that disregard environmental regulations, further depleting resources.

Step 2

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Species depletion: The whaling industry has historically led to the near extinction of certain whale species. For instance, commercial whaling nearly wiped out some species such as the blue whale.
Ecosystem imbalance: Whales play a crucial role in the ocean ecosystem, and their removal can cause significant disturbances, affecting both prey and predator species. A decrease in whale populations can disrupt marine food chains.
Scientific whaling: Some nations have conducted whaling under the guise of scientific research, which undermines global conservation efforts and threatens whale populations.
Regulatory challenges: The lack of consistent international enforcement of whaling regulations allows for continued whaling, perpetuating threats to vulnerable whale species.