Oceans make up almost three-fourths of our Earth and are home to numerous species of living beings. For a long time, we have been damaging our bigger seas and the impact is getting imminent as time passes. Although various agencies had attempted at restoring them, the sheer amount of work to be done stalls such plans even before they start.
To combat such mishandling of plans and misconceptions, we should decentralize the working model of such plans to ensure that we achieve the final goal. There are many ways by which an individual can be a part of saving the oceans even without risking so much. If you love camping by the seaside, you can ensure that you don’t litter the place.
Dispose of Your Rubbish Properly
Disposing rubbish we generate at our home may look easy for most of us, but this is for those people who do not have such collection facilities. Those who do not have access to collection services may believe that discarding rubbish into the river is harmless to the environment. This is not true because rubbish still finds its way into the oceans.
So, what can you do to help? It can be as simple as recycling and creating a compost facility to generate manure. You can also look to reduce the usage of single-use plastics as getting rid of them is a tough task. Also, if you go fishing, ensure not to leave any litter behind as it might kill a sea creature.
Be an Ocean Steward
You can also become a part of some NGO that works on ocean conservation and be a donor to help their ocean campaigns. If you have time and want to involve yourself, you can sign-up for a beach cleaning session. Even if you are far away from the seas, you can still contribute to cleaning local water bodies such as rivers.
Get involved in the marine conservation movement. The most serious threat to our oceans is a lack of will to act. We know what we need to do to improve the health and resilience of our seas. All that’s left now is for us to show action. If you are short on time, donate to grassroots causes that combat ocean pollution.
Sustainable seafood decisions
Make sure the seafood you eat is sustainable. Overfishing is one of the most serious dangers to ocean health. Removing too many fish from a reef can destroy the ecology, converting a dynamic and diversified coral reef into a barren wasteland overrun with algae. Even farmed seafood can be a bad decision, particularly when fish packed into confinement contaminates the ecosystem.
Never consume fish that are very big or older than your grandmother. This not only allows slow-growing fish to spawn before being caught, but it also prevents you from ingesting hazardous poisons that bioaccumulate in giant fish at the top of the food chain. Do more research on the topic to get more thorough tips on how to choose sustainable seafood.
Vote on oceans issues
We can help conserve marine life and our seas by electing public representatives who support decent ocean policy. Make an informed judgment about the candidates, then utilize your right (and obligation) to vote. Also, don’t let Election Day be the last time you contact them. Remind your candidates and elected officials of the policies you care about on a regular basis.
Reuse, Reduce and Recycle
Almost 9 million tons of plastic enter the ocean every year. The majority of this plastic rubbish is the result of poor waste disposal. Proper disposal, and avoiding single-use plastics can help to minimize the quantity of plastic used. Small actions you can take include bringing reusable bags to the grocery shop and refilling your water bottle rather than purchasing another one.
Reduce your carbon footprint
The twin dangers of global warming and ocean acidification are putting increasing strain on ocean ecosystems. Our oceans are becoming warmer every day and more acidic as a result of too much carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. This is triggering huge global coral bleaching episodes and making it very difficult for corals and shelled animals to grow and reproduce in their ecosystems.
You can reduce the amount of carbon your family releases into the atmosphere by making minor lifestyle adjustments like taking fewer flights, eating less meat, lowering your temperature, and driving less. Every year, the average American household emits 5 tons of carbon dioxide. Use a carbon calculator to figure out how much carbon you emit and how you can reduce it.
The impact of fertilizers on oceans
Keep in mind that all water eventually drains into the sea, so be careful with the chemicals you use. Fertilizer from home and farms makes its way to the ocean, creating algae blooms and other single-celled organisms. These algae grow large, and they consume most of the oxygen in the water. Making it difficult for fish and other sea species to survive.
