Summary
Around the world, there are a dedicated number of activists and conservationists fighting for our right to a sustainable world. Even with the odds stacked against them. Each year we celebrate World Environment Day and World Oceans Day, but we should think about our oceans throughout the year.
The film “Blue” has brought attention to ocean conservation, and while some may shy away from the heartbreaking realities depicted in films like this, it is essential to confront these issues head-on.
How Can We Save the Oceans?
Now more than ever, we need to take accountability for our oceans and environment. Reliance on governments alone to combat issues like pollution and overfishing is no longer a viable strategy. It’s imperative for individuals to unite and take meaningful action for ocean health. As the World Travel and Tourism Council aptly questioned, “Is it Too Much to Ask for a Sustainable World?”
Oceans are a shared resource, and challenges such as overfishing, pollution, and plastic accumulation disregard borders. We are all interconnected through the health of our oceans. Shark conservationist Madison Stewart in the film “Blue” reminds us, “The fate of so many species will be decided by those of us alive today.“
Now is the time to make the right choices for our oceans.
The film begins with freediver Lucas Handley expressing not only his passion for the ocean but highlighting the severe challenges facing our waters. He states, “In my lifetime, half of all marine life has disappeared. This is a hidden crisis falling on silent shores.“
By 2050, there will be more plastic in the sea than fish!
It is shocking to learn that up to 70 million sharks are killed annually for their fins. After their fins are removed, they are often discarded alive into the ocean, where they suffer and die. Furthermore, many fishermen rely economically on practices that do not prioritize sustainability.
More disturbingly, around 1/3 of fish sold globally are caught illegally.
Illegal Fishing and Unsustainable Practices in our Oceans
In various developing nations, local communities depend on fishing for their livelihoods. However, without sustainable management, fish populations are rapidly depleting. Fishermen often venture illegally into other countries’ waters, resulting in significant ecological damage.
Once their catch is made, illegal fishing nets are frequently abandoned, leading to more marine harm. Turtles, among other marine life, suffer the consequences as they become ensnared in these perilous nets.
The issue is prevalent in places like Northern Australia, where discarded nets wash up, tragically entangled with marine creatures.
In Hawaii, the impact of plastic waste is alarming. Once known for its pristine beaches, it now faces an incessant influx of trash, with local volunteers overwhelmed by the cleanup demands.
The Oceans are Changing
As diving veteran Valerie Taylor notes in the film, the marine world from decades past remains unseen by today’s youth. Documentaries reveal the stark contrast between then and now, highlighting catastrophic coral bleaching events attributed to global warming.
Rising ocean temperatures are causing reefs to suffer immensely, exacerbated by pollution and storm damage, jeopardizing these vital ecosystems.
Marine Birds are Suffering too
Marine birds also face grave threats from plastic pollution. One poignant scene in the film depicts Dr. Jennifer Lavers extracting plastic from the throat of a young seabird, illustrating a heartbreaking reality of nature’s suffering.
Plastic in the Ocean is Killing Marine Life
Alarmingly, 100% of examined seabirds now have plastic in their stomachs, with some containing over 275 pieces. The statistics equate to a lethal load of plastic for these creatures, similar to humans ingesting substantial amounts.
Each Year, 1 Million seabirds die because of plastic.
This plastic crisis cascades through the food chain, with harmful effects reaching even the smallest plankton, ultimately impacting large marine species such as whale sharks and baleen whales.
10 Ways You Can Help Save the Oceans
To mitigate these oceanic threats, the collective effort of individuals is essential. Here are actionable steps to help save our oceans:
1. Stop using one-time use plastic.
Many regions are considering bans on single-use plastics. When dining out, politely refuse plastic straws and opt for reusable shopping bags.
Did you know that approximately 50% of 1 million plastic bags are consumed globally every minute? The vast majority of plastics used are discarded after a single use.
2. Stop drinking bottled water.
While traveling, consider alternatives to bottled water. Investing in a Steripen is an effective way to purify local water sources without generating plastic waste.
3. Pick up garbage when you are at the beach.
Emulate the actions of organizations like Take 3 by collecting three pieces of rubbish every time you visit the beach. Such small efforts can lead to significant improvements in ocean health.
4. Cut down on seafood.
Overexploited fisheries are a pressing concern. When purchasing seafood, choose sustainably managed options to safeguard fish populations and ecosystems.
Refer to resources to identify species that are sustainably sourced.
5. Get out and vote.
Your vote matters. Choosing representatives that prioritize environmental conservation can lead to substantial changes in marine protection efforts, including expanding marine sanctuaries.
6. Watch the film Blue.
This film provides powerful insights into the state of our oceans and is screening across various locations.
7. Support conservation efforts.
Become an Ocean Guardian by engaging with conservation organizations committed to marine protection and support their initiatives.
8. Avoid cosmetics with microbeads.
Many beauty products contain harmful microbeads. Use resources to identify products containing these harmful substances and avoid purchasing them.
- Download the Beat the Microbead app to check for microbeads in products.
- For further reading, check out this Wired article detailing microbead impacts.
9. Skip buying items that harm wildlife.
Be mindful of the items you purchase, particularly at markets, and ensure that they are not sourced from endangered species.
10. Spread the word.
World Oceans Day should serve as a reminder of our ongoing responsibility to protect the oceans year-round. Share knowledge and encourage action within your community.
Collectively, we can make a difference. As individuals, let’s commit to reducing our environmental impact and actively work towards ocean preservation. What steps will you take this summer?
GoTravelDaily appreciates the film BLUE and its crucial message regarding ocean conservation. For additional information on taking action, visit https://bluethefilm.org/take-action.
