Did you know that our oceans provide more than half of the oxygen we breathe? It’s incredible to think how vital the oceans are to our existence. Despite their importance in our environment, many people only think of heading to the oceans when planning for vacations. And unfortunately, this blatant disregard to the wellbeing of oceans has led to significant damage to them.
World Oceans Day, that is celebrated on June 8th, is a special day dedicated to raising awareness about the role oceans play in our world and the urgent need to protect them. Although the main focus for 2024 is yet to be announced, the past themes have included topics like plastic pollution, sustainable fisheries and protecting marine biodiversity. This day reminds us of the importance of safeguarding oceans for the wellbeing of our planet and future generations.
Join us as we explore ways in which we can protect our oceans and marine life.
As observed decade after decade, development and action taken by human beings have proved to be extremely destructive for the environment. Our activities have greatly harmed the health of our oceans. Pollution, overfishing, fossil fuel extraction and climate change at large have led to the degradation of marine environments. In addition to this, overfishing has reduced fish populations, threatening our own food supplies. The first step is to understand the seriousness of the matter so that we can take necessary action together to restore the health of our oceans.
Around 1.7 million tonnes of plastic are estimated to find their way into the ocean every year. This waste that travels to our water bodies has serious consequences on our marine life. A big example of that is how our birds, dolphins, whales and turtles become trapped in plastic debris, leading to suffocation, starvation or drowning.
However, by reducing our plastic usage, we can safeguard the health and wellbeing of our oceans and marine life. By making simple changes to our daily habits, like using reusable bags, bottles and containers, we can reduce the amount of plastic waste entering our oceans.
Travelling is a wonderful way to explore new places and enjoy the beauty of our world’s oceans. However, it can also have a significant environmental impact. According to a recent research by WWF, there is a 40% increase in marine litter in the Mediterranean Sea during the summers, with 95% of this litter being plastic. It is estimated that over 200 million tourists visit this popular holiday destination each year, and it’s clear that holidaymakers are a major contributor to this problem. To be a more responsible traveller, we must be more mindful—we must respect marine animals and their habitats and always remember to clean up after ourselves. In addition to this, we can support eco-tourism activities that benefit local communities and ecosystems. By making these small changes, we can help protect the oceans we love to explore.
Protecting our oceans is crucial because they provide oxygen, regulate the climate and support marine life.
Plastic pollution can lead to ingestion, suffocation and death of marine species, contributing to their alarmingly declining numbers.
You can reduce your plastic footprint by using reusable bags, bottles and containers, avoiding single-use plastics and participating in beach clean-ups.
You can get involved in ocean conservation efforts by joining organisations dedicated to protecting the oceans. You can also spread awareness about the importance of ocean conservation.
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