The ocean gives us life, and all living things depend on it. Covering approximately 71% of the Earth and containing 96.5% of its water, this water body supports an incredible diversity of life and affects everything from food supply to weather patterns. So, how can we conserve the ocean? This is an essential question since we hear that the ocean is in deep trouble from various effects of human activities like the burning of fossil fuels and overfishing.
Fortunately, there are things we can do in and out of the ocean to help save this valuable resource. Keep reading for a few simple things you can do today to conserve the ocean.
Eat Sustainable Seafood
Three-quarters of global fisheries are either exploited or recovering from overfishing. According to research, seafood is high in protein, heart-healthy, and low in fat. Moreover, it’s one of the leading sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which play a huge role in brain development. Because of seafood’s health benefits, some of the most popular fish types face extinction risk.
However, you can combat this by ensuring the fish you eat is sustainably sourced. For example, sustainable fisheries do the following:
- Target plentiful fish species
- Reduce destructive fishing practices like dredging and curbing bycatch
- Minimize adverse environmental impacts
Other than demand and unsustainable fishing practices, habitat loss also plays a role in depleting the global fish populations.
Tip 1: Choose seafood that’s sustainable
- Look for information on where and how the fish was caught. Many sustainable seafood products have certifications or labels from reputable organizations that indicate responsible fishing practices.
- Ask Questions: When shopping or dining out, don’t hesitate to ask vendors or restaurants about the origin of their seafood and the methods used to catch it.
- Prefer Local and Seasonal: Choosing seafood that is local and in season can often be a more sustainable option, as it usually requires less transportation and supports local communities.
- Avoid Overfished Species: Stay informed about which species are currently overfished or threatened, and avoid purchasing those to help reduce demand.
Be a Responsible Tourist
To travel the ocean as a responsible tourist means to respect marine life and habitats throughout your journey. For example, give nesting sea turtles on the beach the freedom they need to lead happy lives.
Another way to travel responsibly is to avoid buying items made from marine life. They are linked to the destruction of the ocean’s ecosystem.
The items you shouldn’t buy include:
- Coral jewelry
- Shell from sea turtles
- Shark’s teeth and fins and other products
Refusing to buy items made from marine life is a great way to protect endangered species and, thus, is a helpful way to conserve the ocean.
Tip 2: Choose the right travel providers
When planning your travels, choose eco-conscious companies that prioritize ocean conservation. These companies adhere to sustainable practices such as:
- Empowering Communities: Supporting eco-friendly energy sources in local communities to reduce their ecological footprint.
- Protecting Marine Wildlife: Committing to the preservation of marine life through conservation efforts and by following strict guidelines to avoid disturbing natural habitats.
- Educated Travel Guides: Utilizing guides who are knowledgeable about marine conservation laws and best practices, ensuring that tourism has a minimal impact on the ocean environment.
Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
In the last few years, the burning of fossil fuels has been creating too much heat, which is responsible for global warming. The ocean has absorbed over 90% of the excess heat produced to protect the Earth and every living thing.
The increased heat has changed where fish swim and how marine species reproduce.
Tip 3: Be more carbon-conscious in your day-to-day
To effectively reduce your carbon footprint, small but consistent actions can make a significant impact:
- Energy-Efficient Lighting: By switching to energy-saving bulbs, you can significantly lower the energy consumption in your home, which contributes to reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
- Smart Appliance Use: Unplugging appliances when they’re not in use, especially when you’re away from home, can cut down on ‘phantom’ energy use—a simple step towards energy conservation.
- Renewable Energy Transition: Opting for renewable energy sources like solar power over fossil fuels is a transformative way to support sustainable energy and decrease reliance on carbon-heavy power sources. Check with your energy provider where their energy is sourced from.
- Physical Activity for Energy Saving: Choosing to take the stairs over using the elevator not only promotes personal health but also saves electrical energy, further diminishing your carbon output.
Minimise the Impact of Single-Use Plastics
One of the simplest ways to conserve this carbon sink is to eliminate, reduce, and reuse plastic products.
As the name suggests, single-use plastics are typically used once and then discarded. They often include the following:
- Dry cleaning bags
- Water bottles
- Plastic bags
- Utensils
- Straws
- Take-out containers
Once you reject these plastics, let businesses know they can serve you better by offering alternatives.
Tip 4: Reduce, reuse, recycle
- Reduce: Start by cutting down on what you consume. Buy in bulk to minimize packaging, opt for products with less plastic, and avoid disposable items when possible.
- Reuse: Before throwing anything away, think of how it can be reused. Old jars can become storage containers, and clothes can be repurposed into cleaning rags or crafts.
- Recycle: Set up a dedicated recycling area in your home to sort paper, plastics, and metals, making it easier to recycle correctly and consistently.
Spread the Word
For your ocean conservation efforts to bear fruit quickly, you should be actively talking with others on the same subject. Some people aren’t aware that the ocean gives us life. Others are yet to hear that it’s in deep trouble due to human activities, and we can do something about it.
Tip 5: Be an educator yourself
You have an opportunity to spread the word on several platforms. Here are some of the things that you can do:
- Discuss ocean-related issues with your local shopkeeper. Always be ready to answer the key question: how can we conserve the ocean? Once they understand what is at stake, please encourage them to stock ocean-friendly food items.
- Talk with your friends, neighbors, loved ones, and lawmakers. You can use social media, blogs, or any other digital media to raise awareness as much as you can. Remember to speak or write persuasively and present up-to-date information to stand out.
- Vote for public officials who support marine conservation projects. Before doing that, research their ocean policies and understand what they stand for.
The Responsibility Lies With You
The majority of plastic in the ocean is discarded waste, so the fate of the ocean is in our hands now, and we are up to the task. We don’t each have to do a massive change to have an impact. Instead, we can do simple things that reduce our carbon footprint and protect marine life, like eating sustainable seafood and eliminating single-use plastics. We can also vote for public officials committed to protecting marine conservation projects.
As you can see, we have the power to conserve our ocean. Now that you know simple things you can do in and out of the ocean, you can play your part. Take a step today and increase the ability of the ocean to give life and protect every living thing on the Earth.
Ocean Insights: Hear From Our Experts
By Rida Nasir
Researcher and Conservationist, with an MSc in Environmental Science
I deeply believe that preserving our oceans is imperative for sustainability. Personally, I prioritize responsible actions like mindful seafood consumption, waste reduction, and minimizing carbon emissions. It's essential to understand that our oceans thrive when we prioritize responsible stewardship, ensuring a healthier future for both marine life and humanity.
FAQs
Why should we care about the ocean?
We should care about the ocean because it feeds us and generates 50% of the oxygen we breathe. Besides, it regulates our climate. If that’s not enough, please remember that the ocean is the foundation of the world’s economy. It supports international shipping, fisheries, tourism, and many other industries.
What is the most common bycatch?
The most common bycatch is non-selective fishing gear. This term refers to non-sustainable fishing methods like gillnets, trawling, and longlines. Longlines are among the most common options; they target swordfish, halibut, and tuna. Hundreds of baited hooks hang at small intervals along a single fishing line, often catching both targeted and non-targeted fish species.
How can I support organizations working to conserve the ocean?
If you’re wondering how you can support organizations working to conserve the ocean, you can conduct in-depth research and find a credible one in any part of the world. Many people are concerned that our ocean might stop playing its role as the most crucial life-giving resource on Earth and can partner with you. You can offer financial support or volunteer for advocacy or hands-on work if that suits you.
I want to conserve the ocean, but I need to develop some interest first. How can I succeed?
If you want to conserve the ocean but need more interest, start by educating yourself about marine life and the ocean. You can start here today. You’ll learn how your life is connected to the ocean. The more you discover different exciting facts and issues facing the ocean, the more you’ll want to do something to save it.
