An example that shows that this can be resolved is the treaties made against the harvesting of whales. The major fishing countries came together and made international treaties to prevent the near extinction of several whale species. This proves that glbal cooperation could solve the problems with the over-harvesting of fish. Ocean dumping of garbage was only outlawed about 20 years ago, and even until recently industrial and sewage wastes were discharged directly offshore. Oil tankers used to flush their tanks right into the ocean, but today contain the oily sludge for recycling.
Spills are also a major problem.
Tanker spills like the Exxon Valdiz are examples of the great damage these kinds of spills can cause to the ocean ecosystem. As shown at right, as this gas increases in the atmosphere it holds more solar energy in the atmosphere by absorbing infared radiation from the earth. Some scientists believe that this will result in global warming and lead to climate change on a world-wide scale. The oceans would heat up, changing currents and prevailing winds, and altering climates over land. The chemistry of seawater would also be affected, since CO2 is soluble in water and is involved in many chemical reactions.