For many of us, oceans can seem daunting or spectacular natural phenomena. Despite our varying conceptions of the oceans, it is undeniable that they are an important natural resource to all of us. Oceans are not only essential to the livelihood of marine life, but they also supply resources for humans and act as a transportation network. Currently, this is threatened by unsustainable fishing practices and political tensions regarding the countries’ sea borders. Therefore, it is critical to reduce our harmful impacts on the ocean, and this requires a global effort that starts with awareness. 

What is Harming the Oceans?

Recently, it has come to light that 80% of marine pollution results from human activities such as overfishing, wrongful disposal of waste, oil spills, and the rise of pesticide use. Engaging in activities such as these may seem convenient, but it has adverse effects on the oceans. As you may already know, pollution causes habitat destruction. In recent years, many coral reefs have been damaged due to mining and sea drilling, displacing many animals away from their natural habitats. At the same time, chemical pollution negatively impacts marine animals upon ingestion. This causes the death of many animals and disrupts their biological processes. Plastic pollution is also detrimental to oceans as many animals accidentally recognize plastics as food which causes them to get stuck within the plastic or ingest them. Also, many plastics aren’t biodegradable, meaning that they stay in the ocean and continuously increase microplastics. It should also be considered that there are political tensions surrounding ocean “claims” as well. For some countries, there was the threat of pollution caused by long-distance fishing fleets and oil tankers. In comparison, others were more concerned about the presence of their navies in the waters. Therefore, there were disputes about sea boundaries, exclusive economic zones, and resources.

The Significance Behind Ocean Conservation:

You have probably noticed that water covers around 70% of the Earth. Thus, ocean conservation is vital as it is the world’s largest ecosystem that supplies the means of life. Therefore, by protecting the oceans, you are safeguarding marine life and your livelihood through the sustainable usage of the oceans’ resources. To further elaborate, the ocean absorbs 30% of the carbon emissions produced by humans and 90% of the heat. With that in mind, protecting the oceans also covers the world from the drastic effects of climate change. Furthermore, many people worldwide also depend on the sea for their daily resources, so it is also essential to living our lives sustainably for the good of everyone.

The Global Response:

To promote marine life and biodiversity conservation, the United Nations created the  Regional Seas Programme. This program was placed to promote the well-being of marine lids and the sustainable usage of the oceans’ resources. As a result, it protects the oceans and seas at a regional level. It does this by monitoring the oceans, conducting research, and better managing coastal areas. There are also Exclusive Economic Zones set in place that regulate which countries can trade and use resources in oceans. Additionally, some countries are banning single-use plastics that heavily pollute the oceans.  As you can imagine, the oceans are a vast space that requires a lot of time and effort to research. So, simple acts such as disposing of plastics properly and picking up any garbage you see near bodies of water can be your first step towards ocean conservation!

Call for Action:

What can you do to make a difference? As mentioned before, the first way is through awareness, which means educating yourself on these topics and informing those around you. Aside from that, you can participate in clean-ups around your city or donate to charities that work to enhance marine life. I also understand that using plastic is a big part of our daily lives. It is cheap and affordable, but you can also consider using plastic-free alternatives when possible. Another way you can help the oceans is by eating sustainable seafood rather than consuming products stemming from overfishing. You can do this by checking with restaurants before you order, reading labels, or looking at the Seafood Watch guide. In the end, all of these efforts lead to a reduction in one’s carbon footprint, which ensures that our oceans and wildlife will stay safe and prosperous.

“With every drop of water you drink, every breath you take, you’re connected to the sea”-Sylvia Earle

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