The Ocean Blue - Critical steps needed to restore it to health again.
The ocean is the world's life support system. It gives us more than half the oxygen that we breathe, provides valuable resources and also regulates our climate. Every breath we take, every drop of water we drink and we’re connected to the ocean. Our Earth depends on the vitality of the ocean to support and sustain it. But we as humans have not respected nor treated the ocean well. It is now in grave danger from all of our abuse.
The ocean now faces major man made threats to it's health. These are pollution, destruction of habitat, global climate change and invasive species. Also there has been a huge depletion in ocean fish stocks that has left 40% of the ocean severely affected. Many species are disappearing from the ocean. Entire ecosystems have been degraded also.
What does all of this mean to us? To start with it means we are losing a valuable source of food for the world. That spirals down to a loss of jobs. It also causes a loss of critical environmental services that a normally healthy ocean will generate. We cannot continue on this path of destruction any longer. Urgent steps must be taken to stop and reverse the damage that we have caused. The following are ways that we all can help our ocean to become healthy again. The time is now.
1. Mind Your Carbon Footprint and Reduce Energy Consumption
Reduce the effects of climate change on the ocean by leaving the car at home when you can and being conscious of your energy use at home and work. A few things you can do to get started today: Switch to compact fluorescent light bulbs, take the stairs, and bundle up or use a fan to avoid oversetting your thermostat.
2. Make Safe, Sustainable Seafood Choices
Global fish populations are rapidly being depleted due to demand, loss of habitat, and unsustainable fishing practices. When shopping or dining out, help reduce the demand for overexploited species by choosing seafood that is both healthful and sustainable.
3. Use Fewer Plastic Products
Plastics that end up as ocean debris contribute to habitat destruction and entangle and kill tens of thousands of marine animals each year. To limit your impact, carry a reusable water bottle, store food in nondisposable containers, bring your own cloth tote or other reusable bag when shopping, and recycle whenever possible.
4. Help Take Care of the Beach
Whether you enjoy diving, surfing, or relaxing on the beach, always clean up after yourself. Explore and appreciate the ocean without interfering with wildlife or removing rocks and coral. Go even further by encouraging others to respect the marine environment or by participating in local beach cleanups.
5. Don't Purchase Items That Exploit Marine Life
Certain products contribute to the harming of fragile coral reefs and marine populations. Avoid purchasing items such as coral jewelry, tortoiseshell hair accessories (made from hawksbill turtles), and shark products.
6. Be an Ocean-Friendly Pet Owner
Read pet food labels and consider seafood sustainability when choosing a diet for your pet. Never flush cat litter, which can contain pathogens harmful to marine life. Avoid stocking your aquarium with wild-caught saltwater fish, and never release any aquarium fish into the ocean or other bodies of water, a practice that can introduce non-native species harmful to the existing ecosystem.
7. Support Organizations Working to Protect the Ocean
Many institutes and organizations are fighting to protect ocean habitats and marine wildlife. Find a national organization and consider giving financial support or volunteering for hands-on work or advocacy. If you live near the coast, join up with a local branch or group and get involved in projects close to home.
8. Influence Change in Your Community
Research the ocean policies of public officials before you vote or contact your local representatives to let them know you support marine conservation projects. Consider patronizing restaurants and grocery stores that offer only sustainable seafood, and speak up about your concerns if you spot a threatened species on the menu or at the seafood counter.
9. Travel the Ocean Responsibly
Practice responsible boating, kayaking, and other recreational activities on the water. Never throw anything overboard, and be aware of marine life in the waters around you. If you’re set on taking a cruise for your next vacation, do some research to find the most eco-friendly option.
10. Educate Yourself About Oceans and Marine Life
All life on Earth is connected to the ocean and its inhabitants. The more you learn about the issues facing this vital system, the more you’ll want to help ensure its health—then share that knowledge to educate and inspire others.
Source : National Geographic
The ocean is the world's life support system. It gives us more than half the oxygen that we breathe, provides valuable resources and also regulates our climate. Every breath we take, every drop of water we drink and we’re connected to the ocean. Our Earth depends on the vitality of the ocean to support and sustain it. But we as humans have not respected nor treated the ocean well. It is now in grave danger from all of our abuse.
The ocean now faces major man made threats to it's health. These are pollution, destruction of habitat, global climate change and invasive species. Also there has been a huge depletion in ocean fish stocks that has left 40% of the ocean severely affected. Many species are disappearing from the ocean. Entire ecosystems have been degraded also.
What does all of this mean to us? To start with it means we are losing a valuable source of food for the world. That spirals down to a loss of jobs. It also causes a loss of critical environmental services that a normally healthy ocean will generate. We cannot continue on this path of destruction any longer. Urgent steps must be taken to stop and reverse the damage that we have caused. The following are ways that we all can help our ocean to become healthy again. The time is now.
1. Mind Your Carbon Footprint and Reduce Energy Consumption
Reduce the effects of climate change on the ocean by leaving the car at home when you can and being conscious of your energy use at home and work. A few things you can do to get started today: Switch to compact fluorescent light bulbs, take the stairs, and bundle up or use a fan to avoid oversetting your thermostat.
2. Make Safe, Sustainable Seafood Choices
Global fish populations are rapidly being depleted due to demand, loss of habitat, and unsustainable fishing practices. When shopping or dining out, help reduce the demand for overexploited species by choosing seafood that is both healthful and sustainable.
3. Use Fewer Plastic Products
Plastics that end up as ocean debris contribute to habitat destruction and entangle and kill tens of thousands of marine animals each year. To limit your impact, carry a reusable water bottle, store food in nondisposable containers, bring your own cloth tote or other reusable bag when shopping, and recycle whenever possible.
4. Help Take Care of the Beach
Whether you enjoy diving, surfing, or relaxing on the beach, always clean up after yourself. Explore and appreciate the ocean without interfering with wildlife or removing rocks and coral. Go even further by encouraging others to respect the marine environment or by participating in local beach cleanups.
5. Don't Purchase Items That Exploit Marine Life
Certain products contribute to the harming of fragile coral reefs and marine populations. Avoid purchasing items such as coral jewelry, tortoiseshell hair accessories (made from hawksbill turtles), and shark products.
6. Be an Ocean-Friendly Pet Owner
Read pet food labels and consider seafood sustainability when choosing a diet for your pet. Never flush cat litter, which can contain pathogens harmful to marine life. Avoid stocking your aquarium with wild-caught saltwater fish, and never release any aquarium fish into the ocean or other bodies of water, a practice that can introduce non-native species harmful to the existing ecosystem.
7. Support Organizations Working to Protect the Ocean
Many institutes and organizations are fighting to protect ocean habitats and marine wildlife. Find a national organization and consider giving financial support or volunteering for hands-on work or advocacy. If you live near the coast, join up with a local branch or group and get involved in projects close to home.
8. Influence Change in Your Community
Research the ocean policies of public officials before you vote or contact your local representatives to let them know you support marine conservation projects. Consider patronizing restaurants and grocery stores that offer only sustainable seafood, and speak up about your concerns if you spot a threatened species on the menu or at the seafood counter.
9. Travel the Ocean Responsibly
Practice responsible boating, kayaking, and other recreational activities on the water. Never throw anything overboard, and be aware of marine life in the waters around you. If you’re set on taking a cruise for your next vacation, do some research to find the most eco-friendly option.
10. Educate Yourself About Oceans and Marine Life
All life on Earth is connected to the ocean and its inhabitants. The more you learn about the issues facing this vital system, the more you’ll want to help ensure its health—then share that knowledge to educate and inspire others.
Source : National Geographic
Thank you for this.... I am studying Harbor seals and humpback whales and much appreciate your advocacy for oceans as well as land habitats!!
Comment ne pas réfléchir à l'avenir des océans, après avoir vu cette vidéo magnifique de la faune aquatique.
Que peut-on changer dans nos comportements journaliers, pour arrêter le saccage ?
The Monterey Bay Aquarium does an excellent job of educating the public about serious overfishing and environmental harm done by some salmon farms. Here's a link to their website's page where you can download and print a pocket guide. Also, check the website for news like this week's announcement that ALL blue fin tuna is testing high for radiation from Fukushima. http://www.montereybayaquarium.org/cr/cr_seafoodwatch/download.aspx
c'est juste sublime