Even The Small Changes You Make Can Contribute To Overall Ocean Conservation

By Peter Stevens


There seems to be a lot of discussion in the political arena over whether or not global warming and climate change are real. The vast majority of the population looks at the melting icecaps and rising sea temperatures and sees a problem. Others dismiss the signs as the rantings of liberal alarmists. What should not be argued however is how vital the oceans are to human survival, which makes ocean conservation the responsibility of everyone.

If you are one of the people who respects the environment and is concerned about any negative impact you could have on it, there are some simple things you can do. Teaching your children that walking and biking are viable modes of transportation and that they don't emit noxious fumes into the atmosphere is a beginning. You can turn out lights when you leave a room and turn the thermostat down when you leave the house.

Plastic is such a part of our lives that we don't think about using something else that would work just as well. We now have actual islands in the Pacific and Atlantic consisting of nothing but trash. The convergence of currents and wind has drawn our refuse to areas of the Sargasso Sea and what is known as the Pacific Garbage Patch. Instead of plastic, try using cloth shopping totes, and recycle everything you can.

Beaches are great places for vacations and relaxing. When you enjoy time at the beach, you should be very careful to clean up after yourself and your family. When swimming, snorkeling, or diving be cautious about disturbing the wildlife or picking up coral or rocks for souvenirs. If you have a chance to participate in a community beach cleanup, you should take it.

Eating seafood is great as long as you avoid the temptation of delicacies created from endangered wildlife. You should refuse to consider anything in a restaurant or market except sustainable seafood. Coral necklaces, shark's teeth, and tortoiseshell combs are interesting objects in many beach side shops, but purchasing any of them will send the wrong message to your children. You need to explain that exploiting marine populations is not acceptable

Cat and dog owners need to read the labels on the food they feed their pets. You should never buy pet food that lists anything but sustainable seafood among the ingredients. Cat litter is not for flushing, no matter how it is advertised. Wild saltwater fish are not acceptable pets for aquariums, which should never be emptied into open water.

Education is key when it comes to informing the younger generation about the importance of conservation. You are teaching by example when your children see you researching how your political representatives vote on these important issues. Children will notice if you choose to frequent only restaurants that offer sustainable seafood on their menus.

We may not be able to destroy the earth, but we can destroy our ability to inhabit it. Plenty of damage has already been done. It is up to each individual to prevent further harm.




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