How Are People Going To Save The Oceans of The World?

Did you know that on June 8, 2019, the world will be celebrating World Oceans Day? Did you also know that 71% of the Earth's surface is covered by oceans? If you didn't know, you should be thanking me right now. Without the oceans right now you and I might be nonexistent. Every living thing on this planet depends on the oceans to sustain them. So, when you hear that the oceans are in trouble due to pollution and climate change, you know you cannot just sit around.

It's now or never to take action. While governments across the world need to take action, it is also your responsibility. And you can do it with a few simple tips like shopping only for fish from sustainable salmon farming which can help the oceans recover.

Top Tips to Make the Oceans Livelier

In this article, we are going to look at some of the things which you can do to help save the oceans. Some might seem like nothing but they actually will go a long way. Here is a look at saving actions that you can take.

#1. Keep them Clean

Did you know that the biggest villain of ocean pollution is plastic? Studies show that about eight million metric tons of plastic are thrown into the ocean annually. This includes trash like bottles, straws, plastic bags and microplastics such as toothpaste tubes.

One thing you might not understand when you toss that plastic bottle is that it is killing our marine life. More studies have come to point out that 100% of our marine life have plastic in them. In one of the most heartbreaking documentaries ever, scientists tried to remove plastic from one bird. They found 275 pieces of plastic in the bird which is comparable to about 10 kilos of plastic in a human. If you are not touched by now, pinch yourself.

You can help reduce the number of plastic items disposed of in the oceans. Some of the steps you can take include:

• Stop drinking bottled water

• Avoid using one-time plastic bags

• Help clean up the beach

• Be aware of the effects of plastics on the oceans

• Keep tabs of companies who use plastics and hold them accountable

#2. Cut Down on the Amount of Seafood You Consume

If you are a lover of seafood then you should be reading this part. Did you know that a third of the seafood sold in supermarkets has been illegally fished? Grab a copy of the film Blue.

Studies show that 85% of the fisheries in the world are recovering from either overexploitation or depletion. There are a dozens of companies around the world which use very crude methods to fish. Some of the methods used include dynamite, cyanide and dragging tire reinforced industrial fishing nets across the ocean floor. These methods have had adverse effects on marine life.

It might seem like you have no way of tackling this problem but actually, there are ways. Some of the steps which you can undertake include:

• Avoid eating too much seafood.

• Only buy seafood which has been legally fished.

• Avoid eating endangered seafood such as Blue Tuna.

• Educate and encourage seafood retailers and restaurants to only produce affordable seafood.

#3. Check your carbon footprint.

Over the past century, the oceans have absorbed a 90% excess of carbon. Oceans absorb carbon through a phenomenon known as ocean acidification. It might sound good to you but actually, this process reduces the amount of calcium carbonate in the ocean which is an essential mineral for marine life.

The oceans also absorb heat which will cause warm waters that affect ocean balance. Warmer waters affect how fish swim, sea levels rise, fish reproduction and weather.

However, you can decrease the effects of your carbon footprint by simple things such as:

• Turning off the lights

• Unplug your electronics

• Walk

• Ride a bicycle

#4. Fight for the Oceans

A lot of oil and fuel companies rely on the fuel which is located on the floor of the ocean. These explorations always have adverse effects on marine life. This is the millennial age and with the help of social media, you can become an advocate for the oceans. You just have to speak about the importance of the oceans. How about for every harmful ocean exploration, launch a campaign to oppose it?

Educate your family, friends and the community at large about how you can save the oceans and the planet. A few simple changes in how you live your life, and trying to be eco-friendly can go a long way.

This article does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors or management of EconoTimes.