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The earth is made up of 71% water and 29% land. Unfortunately, people only consider taking care of the land and neglect water bodies, like the Oceans. The latter is the home to many species, food sources, and a factor responsible for climate change.
Oceans need as much attention as those given to land because saving it can make the world a better place. The constant abuse and pollution need to stop for marine conservation and restoration.
Thus, this article aims to provide effective conservation tips to help fight ocean plastics and other forms of pollution.
9 Useful Tips for Marine Conservation
Disusing Plastics
One of the major pollutants of the ocean is plastics. It is the biggest threat that the ocean faces in the world today. According to research, over 17.6 billion pounds of plastics pollute the marine environment every year, and there is little to nothing that has been done about it. The reason is that: many garbage companies dump a truck of plastics into the ocean almost every minute.
However, if manufacturing companies can go for plastic-free alternatives, it would be such a wonderful idea. There is the need to disuse plastic components such as water bottles, straws, coffee cups, food containers, etc. If successful, there is a good chance of saving the oceans.
Reducing Human Carbon Footprint
Another contributing pollutant to the marine environment, which ultimately affects marine life, is carbon footprint. The constant release of greenhouse gases, especially carbon dioxide, poses a big threat to the ocean. It makes water bodies acidic and unsafe. Subsequent scientific research has shown high levels of acidity in polluted waters caused by carbon dioxide.
Therefore, a valid way to save the oceans is by reducing carbon footprint. For instance, reducing energy use, such as electricity, thermostat, and transportation alternatives, can help reduce the release of these gases.
Consuming Only Sustainable Seafood
The high demand for seafood puts the oceans at a higher risk. Today, people go for almost anything they see in the oceans, and that is not appropriate. Over the years, some people have consumed species of endangered fish that play a major role in keeping the oceans safe and clear.
One way to protect the oceans, however, is to only go for sustainable seafood. There is a long list of things you can buy or eat, and as long as you stay clear of others, you are this water body.
Participating in Ocean-Saving Events
Saving the oceans and combatting ocean plastics also requires partaking in social events contributing to marine protection and conservation. In these events, you get to voice your concerns about how the planet – particularly the oceans, dying and offer valid ways to protect it.
There are plenty of environmental events every year; you only have to find which is closest to you. Your participation could change someone else’s perspective, and it goes on like that, building a network of ocean-saving individuals.
Exploring the Oceans Responsibly
One of the ways to protect the ocean from pollution is by exploring it. This method may sound vague, but it works. You may never know how much damage you are doing to the oceans until you see a bit of it. You can either visit a lake or river near you to see how it is being managed and how it connects to the ocean or travel on an ocean and see what it looks like.
If you are exploring the ocean using the latter – kayaking, boating, etc., you must make it eco-friendly. Make sure you don’t throw anything overboard or harm marine life.
See how to scuba dive in an eco-friendly way.
Organizing Seminars and Symposiums on Oceans and Marine Life
If there are no events near you targeted towards saving the oceans, you could organize one yourself. There is always a way to lend your voice, and other people would listen. You can start by organizing seminars and symposiums in your local community on ways to save the planet.
Some of the things you will have to include in your program include a visual aid of pollution, the impact, and the consequences in a few years to come. With this vital piece of information, some people might have a re-think on how they use any water body.
Keeping the Ocean Clean
Humans are responsible for polluting the oceans, and that needs to stop. Keeping the ocean clean has to be a priority for every single individual because survival depends on it. Some of the ways to ensure that include avoiding dumping of refuse into any water body, practicing effective waste management by industries, constantly, carrying out tests on this water area for pollution and finding ways to solve the problem.
Keeping Contacts with Lawmakers and Representatives
Lawmakers and Representatives are respected individuals, that most people trust their judgments. Unfortunately, they may not be aware of the problems currently faced in the world – especially one that involves marine life. However, calling their attention to this problem and offering active solutions can go a long way.
Involving these government representatives might drive other people’s attention to this problem and see the reasons why marine life needs protecting.
Joining a Community of Ocean Savers
Meeting other people who share similar ideologies as you do help a lot. Look for the nearest ocean-saving community near you and start participating in campaigns – monthly or yearly, targeted towards marine conservation. With this community, you can easily reach out to other individuals and government parastatals to help fight this problem.
Conclusion
The earth has long become an endangered planet, with industrialization and modernization taking their course. However, there are ways to protect what is left, and one of them is investing in marine life conservation and protection. Combating ocean plastics and other pollutants will help in this cause; all required is for as many people as possible to join in this fight.