Ocean management plays a crucial role in protecting or damaging marine ecosystems and is a key topic in IB Geography, particularly within Option B: Oceans and Coastal Margins. Ocean management refers to the ways in which human activities in marine environments are regulated, including fishing, shipping, resource extraction, and conservation. The effectiveness of management strategies has a direct impact on marine biodiversity and ecosystem health.

One of the most significant ways ocean management affects marine ecosystems is through fisheries management. Overfishing can lead to the collapse of fish populations and disrupt marine food webs. Poorly managed fisheries reduce biodiversity and threaten the livelihoods of coastal communities. In contrast, sustainable fishing practices such as catch limits, seasonal closures, and size restrictions help maintain fish stocks and protect ecosystem balance.

Marine protected areas (MPAs) are an important ocean management strategy. MPAs restrict or ban certain activities in designated areas to protect habitats and species. These areas allow ecosystems to recover from overexploitation and can increase biodiversity and fish populations over time. Spillover effects may benefit surrounding fishing areas. However, MPAs are only effective if they are well enforced and supported by local communities.

Ocean management also affects ecosystems through pollution control. Regulations on waste disposal, oil transport, and agricultural runoff help reduce marine pollution. Without effective management, plastics, chemicals, and sewage enter oceans, harming marine life through ingestion, entanglement, and habitat degradation. Pollution weakens ecosystems and reduces their resilience to other pressures such as climate change.

Shipping and offshore development are further areas of concern. Shipping lanes, ports, and seabed extraction can damage marine habitats and increase noise pollution, which disrupts marine mammals. Effective ocean management includes zoning to reduce conflict between economic activity and conservation, as well as environmental impact assessments to limit damage.

In IB Geography, climate change is increasingly linked to ocean management. Rising sea temperatures, ocean acidification, and coral bleaching threaten marine ecosystems globally. While climate change is a global issue, local management can improve resilience by reducing other stresses such as overfishing and pollution.

However, ocean management can also create winners and losers. Restrictions may limit economic opportunities for some groups, particularly small-scale fishers. Balancing conservation with livelihoods is a key challenge. Inclusive management that involves local communities is more likely to succeed and protect ecosystems long term.

Overall, ocean management strongly influences the health of marine ecosystems. Effective, sustainable management protects biodiversity, supports ecosystem services, and ensures long-term use of ocean resources.

RevisionDojo helps IB Geography students understand ocean management clearly, linking environmental protection, economic activity, and sustainability into confident, exam-ready explanations.