Protecting our ocean

Why the ocean matters

The ocean has greatly slowed the rate of climate change. It is a powerful carbon sink. Absorbing a quarter of the carbon dioxide (CO2) released since humans started burning fossil fuels, it has also trapped an estimated 90% of the excess heat created by climate warming gasses. But at a cost. The ocean has also warmed, lost oxygen and acidified, currents are changing, and sea levels are rising. To continue along this path not only threatens marine ecosystems, but also the future ability of the ocean to indirectly support life. The ocean is not only a victim of climate change, it is also a vital part of the solution.

What are the threats?

𖤓 Global warming is causing sea levels to rise, threatening coastal population centers.
𖤓 Many pesticides and nutrients used in agriculture end up in the coastal waters, resulting in oxygen depletion that kills marine plants and shellfish.
𖤓 Factories and industrial plants discharge sewage and other runoff into the oceans.
𖤓 Oil spills pollute the oceans, though U.S. water-sewage treatment plants discharge twice as much oil each year as tanker spills.
𖤓 Air pollution is responsible for almost one-third of the toxic contaminants and nutrients that enter coastal areas and oceans.
𖤓 Invasive species such as poisonous algae, cholera, and countless plants and animals have entered harbor waters and disrupted the ecological balance.
𖤓 The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization estimates that 31.4 percent of fish stocks are either fished to capacity or overfished.

How can you help? 1.Conserve Water ~ Use less water so excess runoff and wastewater will not flow into the ocean

2.Reduce Pollutants ~ Choose nontoxic chemicals and dispose of products properly

3. Reduce Waste~ Cut down on what you throw away

4.Shop Wisely~ Choose sustainable seafood, buy less plastic and bring reuseable bags

5.Reduce Vehicle Pollution Use fuel efficent vehicles, carpool, or ride a bike

6.Use Less Energy~ Choose energy efficient light bulbs

7.Fish responsibly~ follow "catch and release" practices and keep more fish alive

8.Practice Safe Boating~ Anchor in sandy areas far from coral and sea grasses

9.Respect Habitat~ Healthy habitat and survival go hand in hand, treat it with love.

10.Volunteer~ Volunteer for cleanups at the beach and in your community

10 ways to protect our ocean

By Alysse Sweeney