II. Course Design (30%) 請閱讀此文章，並回答以下題組，共兩小題。 Deep beneath the ocean's surface, a silent and invisible predator drifts with the currents. Unlike the Great White Shark or the Giant Squid, this hunter never tires and never stops killing. It is known as a "ghost net"—fishing gear that has been lost or abandoned at sea. While these nets may seem harmless to the casual observer, they represent a grave threat to marine ecosystems worldwide. As part of our commitment to SDG 14, we must confront the devastating impact of ghost nets and seek innovative solutions to protect our blue planet. The destructive cycle of a ghost net begins the moment it detaches from a fishing vessel. Constructed from durable, synthetic materials like nylon, these nets do not decompose for hundreds of years. Once adrift, they continue to "fish" on their own, entangling everything in their path. Fish, sea turtles, and even large whales become trapped in the mesh, eventually dying of exhaustion or suffocation. As these victims decay, their weight pulls the net to the seafloor, where it snags on coral reefs. Over time, the net may float back up, starting the lethal process all over again. The consequences of ghost gear extend beyond biological loss, affecting the socio-economic stability of coastal communities. First, ghost nets lead to significant economic losses for the fishing industry by reducing commercial fish stocks. Second, these drifting hazards pose a serious threat to maritime safety, as they can easily become entangled in boat propellers. Finally, the presence of plastic debris on beaches harms local tourism, which many island nations rely on for their livelihoods. In short, the "ghost" in the ocean haunts both nature and the economy. To combat this underwater menace, various international organizations have proposed multi-layered solutions. One effective strategy involves "preventative measures," such as requiring fishers to tag their gear with GPS trackers. If a net is lost, it can be easily located and retrieved. Furthermore, some NGOs have launched "upcycling programs," where recovered ghost nets are transformed into sustainable products like carpets or sneakers. By turning waste into treasure, these initiatives provide financial incentives for coastal residents to participate in ocean cleanup efforts. In conclusion, ghost nets are a man-made crisis that demands a human-led solution. Protecting the ocean is not just a scientific necessity; it is a moral imperative for the survival of future generations. By supporting stricter regulations and choosing sustainable seafood, every individual can play a part in clearing the seas of these silent killers. Our actions today will determine whether our oceans remain a vibrant source of life or become a vast graveyard of forgotten plastic. It is time to turn the tide and restore the health of our oceans.