| Date | November 2020 | Marks available | 4 | Reference code | 20N.2.SL.TZ0.3 |
| Level | Standard Level | Paper | Paper 2 | Time zone | Time zone 0 |
| Command term | Discuss | Question number | 3 | Adapted from | N/A |
Question
Figure 3: Examples of entanglement of marine species
[Source: NOAA.]
Figure 4: Sea turtle species and their status from the IUCN Red List
Calculate the percentage of sea turtle species from Figure 4 that are critically endangered.
State two factors that are used to determine the conservation status of a species.
Identify two strategies for fisheries management that could improve the conservation status of sea turtles.
Discuss how solid domestic waste disposal options could be used to reduce the threats to marine organisms.
Markscheme
= 28.6 %
Note: Accept 28.57 / 28.6 / 29.
population size;
rate of pop increase/decrease;
degree of specialization;
distribution;
reproductive potential and behaviour;
geographic range;
habitat quality/fragmentation;
trophic level;
probability of extinction;
restrict use of fishing nets/long lines;
bycatch reduction strategies;
establish marine protected areas/exclusion zones / police/implement laws against poaching/overexploitation;
replace wild fisheries with aquaculture;
ensuring fishing nets/lines are not lost at sea / reduce ghost/abandoned/lost nets/lines / OWTTE;
Note: Award [1] for any of following arguments or counterarguments (…)
Recycling can reduce plastics entering waterways;
...but is costly/depends on changing lifestyles;
Landfill can reduce wastes entering waterways;
...but can still lead to leaching of toxins into aquatic environments;
Incineration can reduce wastes entering aquatic environments;
...but may cause air pollution and deposition/acidification of marine environments;
Composting can reduce organic waste polluting waterways;
...but is only suitable for biodegradable waste;
Littering laws can reduce waste entering marine systems
…but need appropriate penalties/monitoring etc;
Conclusion
e.g. recycling is probably the most reliable protection of marine organisms against plastic waste;
Note: Award [3] max if neither counterarguments nor conclusion are presented I.e. response must include at least one or the other to fulfil the ‘Discuss’ command term.
Examiners report
Most were able to calculate this simple percentage.
Most were able to identify two criteria for assessing conservation status of a species.
Many were able to come up with a suitable fishing strategy for conserving turtles but few gave a second strategy for full credit.
Many were able to identify appropriate strategies for solid waste disposal but generally they failed to "discuss" such strategies i.e. identify strengths/weaknesses or argue for and against.
