ExecutiveChronicles | How To Help Save Our Oceans in 2022 | Oceans account for about three billion acres of space—and that’s just within the territory of the U.S. Across the globe, oceans are about 70% of the total area. Somehow, though, humans still often manage to overlook this precious resource and its importance in our lives. This has resulted in the widespread devastation of oceans and the marine habitats they contain due to problems such as trash pollution, global warming, and contamination from oil and chemicals. If you care about the environment and the beautiful wildlife that lives within the sea, you’re probably wondering, how can we protect the ocean? Read on for some of the best strategies for preventing further pollution and devastation to the oceans.
Why Our Oceans Are Endanger
There are a wide variety of reasons why the ocean is in danger, but one of the greatest threats is the prevalence of pollution. This toxic problem causes trash, chemicals, and various waste materials to accumulate in the sea and harm the biomes that comprise the oceanic ecosystem. Some of the most common pollutants include mercury, manufactured chemicals, plastic, and various petroleum products. These contaminants are dangerous because of the toxic impact they have on sea life, and they’re particularly hazardous because they are highly resistant to biodegradation — meaning that they can remain in the environment for long periods of time, and in some cases, forever.
The greatest consequence of pollution is the harm that’s been done to endangered marine animals. Species such as the Hawaiian monk seal and Beluga whales are known to be directly harmed by plastic pollution. They often ingest plastic or find themselves tangled in it, unable to escape. In both cases, the results are fatal. This problem is widespread that it’s dramatically reduced the population of many species that were previously common throughout the ocean. If something doesn’t change, many of these species will be at risk of extinction in the coming years and decades.
What You Can Do to Help
The effects of pollution are devastating to the ocean and its inhabitants. Anybody who cares about the environment or animal welfare should feel compelled to take action—so what can you do to combat this tragically common problem? You can start by reducing your own use of products that contain pollutants. Despite your best efforts, these products often end up in the ocean, so it’s best to simply eliminate them from your daily routine. You can also reduce your general output of waste in order to minimize the chance of trash eventually traveling to the ocean.
If you do happen to live near the coast or travel to the ocean, it’s vital that you interact with its environment responsibly. Rather than fishing excessively, for example, you should research the safest place to go fishing and ensure that you do so responsibly — or not at all. You should also be careful when you travel on a boat and only engage in eco friendly sailing by practicing reduced engine use and minimal fuel usage.
