IB ESS SL 4.3.2 Human Aquatic Food Consumption Questions
Analyse demand for aquatic food and its ecological consequences.
- Syllabus
- First assessment 2026
- Course
- ESS SL
- Level
- SL
Exam points
- identify nutritional, cultural, economic and land-use advantages of harvesting aquatic food for local populations
- explain how population, affluence, technology, overfishing, pollution and aquaculture influence capture-fishery and aquatic-food production trends
- analyse aquatic-food consumption by weighing food security and natural-income benefits against stock depletion, environmental impacts and sustainability limits
IB ESS SL 4.3.2 Human Aquatic Food Consumption Questions question 1
[Maximum number: 1]
Figure 2: Fact file on the Coral Triangle
• The Coral Triangle is an area of approximately 6 million square kilometres in South-east Asia.
• It is the most biodiverse marine ecosystem in the world.
• Its habitats include coral reefs, seagrass beds and mangroves.
• The Coral Triangle provides a range of ecosystem goods and services, and supports the livelihoods of over 120 million people.
• It provides an important spawning area to the largest tuna fishery in the world.
• In 2014, capture fisheries within the Coral Triangle were valued at US$9.9 billion representing over 10 % of the world market.
• Income in the area is also generated through a growing recreation and tourist industry.
Outline one advantage for local populations within the Coral Triangle in harvesting their food from:
the marine system
it does not occupy land (needed for population / housing / wilderness area) / less deforestation;
fewer resources/inputs required / it is cheap/free (if harvested themselves);
there is natural income available (if harvested sustainably)/annual yield from natural capital;
it satisfies cultural preferences;
diverse range of species/food available (within Coral Triangle);
high in nutrients/protein/essential minerals such as iodine;
weather events (droughts/floods/hurricanes) are less likely to destroy food sources;
Marking guidance:
Accept other reasonable responses.
Do not accept "more carbon stored / improves water quality".
Do not accept only "provides source of fish/shellfish/profit / rarity of fish / high value of fish / is a healthier food supply / biodiverse ecosystem / easy accessible / no transport cost / is replenishable / increase in diversity of species".
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