Marine biodiversity therefore refers to the species richness and abundance in the world's oceans and seas. And since the world is covered with approximately 70% water, the amount of life in the oceans is enormous. Marine biodiversity therefore refers to the species richness and abundance in the world's oceans and seas. And since the world is covered with approximately 70% water, the amount of life in the oceans is enormous. Marine biodiversity is important to protect because today, just as always, humans are dependent on the Earth's resources for their livelihood, health and wellbeing In Belize, efforts have been made to conserve the incredible biodiversity that exists in the country. In addition to seasonal closures and catch limits on some fishery products, many national parks and marine reserves have been established in an effort to protect these natural areas. Having diverse ecosystems makes organisms and systems more resilient to changes. Marine biodiversity is valued for its direct utility for people, the ecosystem services it provides, and its intrinsic worth. Marine ecosystems are subject to a variety of anthropogenic threats including disease, pollution, climate change, habitat alteration, overexploitation, and invasive species. Natural threats, such as physical destruction by storms and temperature and salinity changes from natural cycles, also occur. A suite of conservation approaches are used to protect these ecosystems and involve monitoring, management, and international cooperation.