International Journal of Marine Science, 2024, Vol.14, No.2, 94-101 http://www.aquapublisher.com/index.php/ijms 95 1 Concept of Marine Bioactive Substances Marine bioactive substances refer to compounds that are isolated, extracted, or synthesized from the marine environment and exhibit biological activity. These compounds possess potential pharmaceutical value and can be utilized for treating various diseases or playing a role in the biomedical field (Chen et al., 2018). These substances can originate from various marine organisms, including seaweed (Figure 1), sponges, corals, microorganisms, marine animals, and more. Marine bioactive substances typically manifest multiple biological activities, endowing them with a broad range of potential applications in drug development, biomedical research, ecology, and other fields. Figure 1 Active substances extracted from marine plants 1.1 Diversity of marine organisms Marine ecosystems encompass a wide variety of life forms, ranging from microscopic plankton to massive whales, covering various kingdoms, phyla, and classes. The diversity of marine life is evident across different levels, including microorganisms, plankton, benthic organisms, seaweeds, corals, invertebrates, and vertebrates. The oceans harbor millions of species, many of which are yet to be scientifically described. An intriguing example is the microbial world, where the marine environment hosts an immense number of microbial communities, including bacteria, archaea, prokaryotes, and viruses. They play crucial roles in marine ecosystems, participating in vital ecological processes such as carbon cycling, nitrogen cycling, organic matter decomposition, influencing global climate, and maintaining ecological balance. Additionally, the ocean contains a vast amount of plankton, including phytoplankton and zooplankton, which form the foundation of the marine food chain, providing a source of food for fish, whales, and other organisms. In the depths of the ocean floor, unique diversity of benthic organisms can be found. These organisms include various benthic invertebrates such as seabed crabs, sea cucumbers, corals, as well as various worms and sea stars. They constitute benthic ecosystems, offering essential ecological services such as water purification, waste decomposition, and maintenance of ecological balance. The biodiversity in the ocean plays a crucial role in the stability and functioning of the global ecosystem. Marine organisms contribute to maintaining the balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the ocean and atmosphere, influencing climate regulation. Furthermore, marine life provides food, pharmaceuticals, and other resources, exerting a positive impact on the global economy and human society. It holds significant ecological, economic, and social value. Therefore, protecting marine biodiversity is essential to ensure that the Earth's largest ecosystem continues to provide a variety of ecological services and resources for humanity.
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