Protect the Oceans

     The ocean is the heart of our planet. It provides us with the fresh air we breathe, the food we eat, and the climate we live in. Today, it is struggling to function because of actions humans unknowingly take upon it.

     There are many reasons why humans need the ocean to survive. An article in The Guardian Newspaper mentions that oceans absorb carbon from the atmosphere and help reduce the impact of climate change. With fossil fuels being admitted into the air every day, it becomes difficult for oceans to absorb carbon from the polluted air. The FAO explains how oceans also affect the weather by evaporating water from its surface creating clouds as a part of the water cycle. This is vital for drinking water, wind and thunderstorms. It also helps produce “monsoon” which is prevailing winds blowing up from the oceans bringing in rains and storms which is what many people rely on in South Asia. The ocean is home to viable food sources for many people around the world. This doesn’t just include sea creatures, as the Oceanpreneur says, “humans have traditionally used algae and sea plants for cooking sushi, seaweed pancit in Philippines, sea grapes, dulse, etc…” Even though creatures in the ocean are a viable food source to many people, it is also home to thousands of species that depend on it to survive. It’s a whole different world below us that we have yet to explore.

     Marine life is struggling to survive due to global warming changing the temperature of the water. But there are other things humans don’t take into consideration like overfishing, ocean acidification and plastic pollution. Overfishing has been a huge problem to the health of the ocean and marine life. Marine Science Today explain how in the past, fishing was more sustainable because fisherman didn’t have the resources or technology. Although today it has turned into a multimillion dollar industry. This has resulted in pushing our oceans so far to the limit, that they are on verge of collapse. This will affect all marine life and cause fishman to go out of business if they don’t cut back on the amount of fish they exploit. Ocean acidification is another cause affecting the entire world’s oceans and marine life. ThoughtCo explains “as the acidity of the oceans increases, it will have devastating impacts on marine life, including plankton, corals and shellfish, and the animals that eat them.” The last, but definitely not least, is plastic pollution. It goes without saying that plastic is dangerous to ingest, so imagine thousands of sea creatures consuming it everyday. Marine in Sight explains, “while plastic thrown into landfills contaminates the soil and groundwater with harmful chemicals and microorganisms, the effects of marine pollution caused by plastic are immeasurable. Just like on land, even in the oceanic areas, the effects of plastic on marine life has started to be felt.”

     Clearly the ocean is essential to humans and marine life, so we should do our part to protect it before it’s too late. National Geographic has many great ideas about what we can do locally and around the world to help protect oceans. They mention taking part in beach clean-ups and involving others is a great way to help the ocean and marine life. Using fewer plastic products and recycling should be a no brainer. An enormous amount of plastics end up in the ocean, disturbing habitats and killing thousands of marine animals. Always remember to carry a reusable water bottle, store food in non-disposable containers, and bring reusable bags when shopping. Support organizations working to protect the ocean. Find a national organization and consider giving financial support or volunteering for hands-on work or advocacy. Since we live on Vancouver Island, we’re so lucky to be close to the ocean, therefore joining an environmental organisation and partaking in beach clean-ups is a great contribution. National Geographic adds, “Whether you enjoy diving, surfing, or relaxing on the beach, always clean up after yourself. Explore and appreciate the ocean without interfering with wildlife or removing rocks and coral.”

     We need clean and healthy oceans to support not just our own health and survival, but also the sea life. Think about which threats to the oceans concern you the most and do your part in the community to help out. We can all make a difference by taking the time to protect our oceans. Now is the time to take action!