Oceans

http://cenvironment.blogspot.com/2010/07/final-recommendations-of-ocean-policy.html

The oceans are a very large biodiversity hotspot, consuming over two-thirds of the earth's surface. They also play an important role to humans in climate, recreational use, food sources, transportation, and a number of other factors. It is also the home to many species of fish, animal and plant life. They are considered a biodiversity hotspot for the many ecosystems they hold (such as coral reefs in tropical waters, estuaries, lagoons, etc.) They are also considered a hotspot due to the extinction of the life within these ecosystems.

http://www.mygreeneducation.com/new-institute-on-marine-ecosystems-and-climate/

For example, sea turtles have been swimming the oceans for well over 100,000 years. However, today they are becoming extinct due to human impact. Factors such as fishing accidents cause sea turtles to get caught in nets or lines and destroy their populations. They're also hunted for their treasured shells or to make jewelery, exotic food dishes, oil and leather. Pollution and pathogens impact their survival, as we dump waste into rivers and runoff water or straight into the ocean. Pollution from factories and boats get into the air that pollutes the rain when it falls over the ocean. Climate change also factors into the survival of turtles and other species as the ocean temperature changes and sea levels rise or lower.

http://wallpaper.imcphoto.net/turtle-pictures.html

Corals are effected by humans as well. Coral reefs are the homes to many ocean creatures and other plant life. They are found all over the world, as the sea turtles are. But over-fishing, pollution, climate change and even excess tourism and recreation destroy them. They become bleached by oil runoff. Extra carbon dioxide threatens their existence. Coral reefs provide not only homes to sea life or a beautiful recreational area for scuba diving or adventures in tropical waters, but they home marine food for humans as well.

http://plaza.ufl.edu/amb1685/Coral_Reef.html

Socio-economic issues are at large with the ocean as tourism on both the shore and on the waters destroys them. Heavy cruise ship traffic and the desire to have a little home on the beach has created a problem as humans strive for that tropical vacation or beautiful beach front hotel view. These expensive expeditions are a factor in themselves with the money brought in from expensive hotels or underwater expeditions for fun.

As humans, we could fix our mistakes or reverse our destruction the best we can to save both of these species. By not consuming or purchasing sea turtle products, supporting ocean life preservation funds and organizations, reducing carbon emissions and keeping our rivers, streams and oceans clean from polluted runoff water, we can keep these species among others alive and healthy.

Organizations such as Sea Turtle Flagship Program (STFP), Conservation International (CI), Turtlevision, Oceaneers, and other groups are in action to spread awareness of the issues faced with the oceans. Partnerships have been made with McDonald's and Walmart to spread the word to the population for support in keeping the oceans clean and healthy.

It is important to be concerned in species extinction. Not only do coral reefs make beautiful and exotic places to visit for small recreational use, they are the home to other life. Some of the life they hold later becomes home for the human population as well. They house food for other animals and creatures. The circle of life become relevant in the preservation of species. Even in other regions than oceans, life in my region is important.

One threatened species in Arizona to be specific is the bat. The winged creatures are found all over the state in about 28 species. They face loss of habitat as recreational cave mining and vandalism in caves destroys their roosting sites. They can also roost in old abandoned buildings or in one's home, where they can be killed when considered “pests”. Abandoned mines can also collapse, killing colonies of bats at a time.

http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn15083-how-vampires-evolved-to-live-on-blood-alone.html

Bat conservation groups such as the Arizona Game and Fish Department, North American Bat Conservation Partnership (NABCP) and Arizona Bat Resource Group (ABRG) research bat habitats, management, conservation. They partner together and help to spread research and awareness in order to help manage new bat habitats and reserve the species.

http://www.azgfd.gov/w_c/bat_conservation.shtml#

 http://www.tonybaldry.co.uk/2011/10/13/second-church-estates-commissioner-oral-bats/

I think it is important to worry about and partake in conservation of other hotspots in the world, regardless of how far away they are. All biodiversity hotspots are homes to ecosystems and the organisms within. The species contained create recreational use and food for survival of the humans that live there and of the other organisms that live there.