How Can We Conserve the Ocean? (In and Out of the Water)

The ocean gives us life, and all living things depend on it. Covering approximately 70.8% of the Earth and containing 97% 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.

Other than demand and unstainable fishing practices, habitat loss also plays a role in depleting the global fish populations.

 To conserve the ocean, choose seafood that’s sustainable and health-giving.

Sustainable fisheries do the following:

• Target plentiful fish species
• Reduce destructive fishing practices like dredging and curbing bycatch
• Minimize adverse environmental impacts

Travel Smarter

Many travel companies are committed to maximizing their profits. They use effective marketing strategies but don’t keep their promises, but you can be safe if you are a wise traveler.

Whenever you want to travel, book the trip through an eco-friendly company that values the environment and is focused on conserving the ocean. Most of them are committed to the following:

• Empowering local communities to use eco-friendly sources of energy
• Protecting wildlife
• Using travel guides who value the sea and are aware of the laws and best practices

Other than booking a trip with the right company, travel the ocean responsibly. That is, 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.  

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.

If you mind your carbon footprint, here are a few things you need to do:

• Switch to energy-saving bulbs
• Unplug your appliances when you are not at home or not using them
• Switch from fossil fuels to solar energy
• Take the stairs as often as you can instead of the elevator
  
  

Refuse to Use Single-Use Plastics

How can we conserve the ocean? If you are still asking how we can conserve the ocean, consider whether you are using single-use plastics. 

One of the simplest ways to conserve this carbon sink is to eliminate or reduce these products’ use.

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.

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.

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.

Conserving the Ocean By Taking Simple Steps

The fate of the ocean is in our hands now, and we are up to the task. How can we conserve the ocean? 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.

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