How You Can Help The Ocean Today

The ocean covers a majority of the Earth’s surface, and it is vital to the global climate. Our oceans influence weather patterns, support a huge diversity of life, and absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

As a sailing and surfing instructor, I know that the ocean is not just a place to have fun and relax. It is necessary for life on this planet. Human activities have been putting the ocean at risk for a while, and that has never been more evident than today. We have to protect the ocean at all costs.

Here are my 4 tips for how you can help the ocean today:

How To Protect The Ocean: 4 Tips

Start at home

Ocean conservancy starts at home. Here are some simple things you can do in your day-to-day life to help the ocean:

• Reduce plastic use. Plastic waste harms marine life and ecosystems. No matter where in the world you are, your plastic cand wind up in the ocean. Opt for reusable water bottles, bags, and containers to minimize single-use plastic consumption.
• Reduce energy consumption: Switch to energy-efficient light bulbs and appliances, reduce appliance use, and use renewable energy sources. Reducing your carbon footprint helps combat ocean acidification.
• Support sustainable products. Choose environmentally friendly products with minimal packaging and sustainable materials.
• Reduce the amount of water you consume around the home. For example, try to stretch the amount of uses you get from your clothes before washing them and take shorter showers.
• Instead of driving a car, try alternative travel options wherever possible. Try taking public transport, using a bicycle, or just walking when you can.

Interact with the ocean responsibly

Not everyone lives near an ocean, but many do. Either way, you can contribute to help save the ocean when you visit a beach with these tips:

• Respect marine habitats: When you visit the ocean, be mindful of your surroundings. Avoid damaging coral reefs, marine ecosystems, beach habitats, etc.
• Follow safe boating and sustainable fishing practices to protect marine animals and habitats.
• Educate yourself and others about the ocean and its inhabitants. This can foster a deeper appreciation and a stronger commitment to its protection.

Volunteer your time

If you live by the ocean, you would make a perfect volunteer! Here are some tips:

• Participate in local beach cleanup efforts to remove trash and plastic waste that harms marine life.
• Volunteer with organizations focused on marine conservation. You can aid in the rehabilitation of injured marine animals and the preservation of their habitats.
• Work alongside communities that rely on the ocean for their livelihood, supporting sustainable practices and conservation efforts.

Use your vote

None of us can save the world’s oceans on our own. At the end of the day, many major corporations are the ones contributing the most to climate change. We must enact policies that prevent them from continuing to harm the ocean.

• Advocate for and support policies that aim to reduce carbon emissions, protect marine areas, and regulate fishing practices.
• Participate in campaigns and movements focused on ocean conservancy, and use your voice to influence decision-makers.
• Stay informed about environmental challenges facing the ocean and support leaders who prioritize marine conservation.