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IELTS Free Online Writing Practice - Is overfishing the greatest threat to marine ecosystems?

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Task 2 Writing Topic: Is overfishing the greatest threat to marine ecosystems?

Model Answer:
Overfishing is indeed a significant issue affecting marine ecosystems; however, it is not necessarily the single greatest threat. While overfishing has led to depleted fish populations and disrupted food chains, other factors such as pollution, climate change, and habitat destruction also pose major challenges to these delicate systems.

To begin with, overfishing has become a pressing problem worldwide due to the growing demand for seafood. As fisheries continue to exploit marine resources, some fish species have experienced drastic population declines. This not only disrupts the balance of marine ecosystems but also impacts the livelihoods of those who rely on fishing as their primary source of income.

However, it is important to recognize that overfishing is not the sole factor contributing to the decline in marine biodiversity. Pollution from land-based activities such as agriculture and industrialization has led to the contamination of marine environments with harmful substances like plastics and heavy metals. These pollutants pose serious threats to marine life, causing illnesses, deformities, and even death in various species.

Moreover, climate change has begun to have a profound impact on marine ecosystems. Rising ocean temperatures, coupled with increasingly severe weather events like hurricanes and storms, disrupt the delicate balance of marine habitats. As a result, many species struggle to adapt to these new conditions, leading to shifts in species distribution and the collapse of some local ecosystems.

Lastly, habitat destruction due to human activities such as coastal development and bottom trawling has resulted in the loss of essential marine habitats like coral reefs and seagrass beds. These environments serve as critical nurseries for many fish species and provide shelter for numerous other marine organisms. The destruction of these habitats further exacerbates the vulnerability of already stressed marine ecosystems.

In conclusion, while overfishing undeniably poses a significant threat to marine ecosystems, it is important to recognize that multiple factors contribute to the degradation and decline of these fragile systems. To effectively address the challenges facing marine environments, concerted efforts must be made to reduce pollution, mitigate climate change impacts, and minimize habitat destruction alongside sustainable fishing practices.

Score: Band 9

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