Human Impact Study a ‘Wake-up Call’ For West Coast

A two-year study by the National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis (NCEAS) concludes that humans have a significant impact on ocean areas along the West Coast. The study highlights location and intensity of 25 human-derived sources of ecological stress.

“Every single spot of the ocean along the West Coast is affected by 10 to 15 different human activities annually,” says Ben Halpern, a marine ecologist for NCEAS.

Scientists have developed a map showing West Coast ocean areas most affected by humans. Photo: Ben Halpern/NCEAS

Funded by NSF’s Division of Environmental Biology, the study found the sources of ecological stress include land-based sources of pollution, meaning that seemingly harmless gum wrapper you carelessly tossed out the window of your car could be a part of a major pollution problem affecting the West Coast.

Commercial and recreational fishing, ocean-based commercial activities and climate change are among the other sources of stress cited in the report.

Human impact in San Francisco has resulted in dangerous rising sea levels that could cause visible, detrimental effects to the city. If left unchecked, it’s estimated that Silicon Valley and stretches of Highway 101 on the peninsula will be completely submerged by 2050.

“Ocean management needs to move beyond single-sector management and towards comprehensive ecosystem-based management if it is to be effective at protecting and sustaining ocean health,” Halpern says.

But the study’s results go beyond the West Coast. While it was a good indication of the current condition of the region, the study can also be tweaked to apply the methods on a global scale.

“Also, the global results for this region were highly correlated with the regional results, suggesting that the global results can provide valuable guidance for regional efforts around the world,” Halpern says.

California is already taking a major stand in reducing its pollution. In late April, the state passed a bill that will ban single-use, take-out polystyrene containers. According to Environment California, plastic is a major problem along the coast. In some areas, there is six times more plastic than zooplankton.

“The results are a wake-up call,” Halpern says. “We are significantly affecting the oceans.”