Ocean Conservation:
Protecting Our Blue Planet.
As the largest ecosystem on Earth, the ocean covers over 70% of our planet's surface and serves a crucial role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem. The sea provides various ecosystem services, from regulating the Earth's climate to supporting millions of people with food and livelihoods. However, despite its significance, the ocean faces multiple threats that put its survival and health at risk.
This article will discuss the importance of ocean conservation, the ocean's threats, and the steps we can take to protect it.
Threats to the Ocean
Overfishing
Overfishing is one of the biggest threats to the ocean. It is the process of removing too many fish from the sea, resulting in declining fish stocks and disrupting the ocean's ecosystem.
Plastic Pollution
Plastic pollution poses a significant threat to the ocean and its wildlife. Millions of tons of plastic waste are dumped into the sea every day, causing harm to marine life and disrupting vital ecosystems.
Climate Change
Climate change is causing ocean temperatures to rise and ocean acidification to increase, affecting the ocean's ecosystems and the species that depend on them.
The Importance of Ocean Conservation
For the survival of the ocean and the species that depend on it, by protecting the ocean, we ensure that it can continue to provide the following essential ecosystem services:
Regulating the Earth's Climate
The ocean helps regulate the Earth's climate by absorbing carbon dioxide and reducing the impacts of global warming.
Providing Food and Livelihoods
The ocean is a significant food source for millions of people and supports many fishing communities worldwide.
Biodiversity
The ocean is home to an incredible diversity of species, many of which are found nowhere else on Earth.
Steps to Protect the Ocean
Reducing Plastic Pollution
Single-use plastics are a significant environmental problem, as they take hundreds of years to decompose, polluting the land and oceans. However, we can all take steps to minimise our use of single-use plastics and dispose of waste properly to mitigate this issue.
For example, we can:
Bring reusable bags, water bottles, and containers instead of single-use plastics when shopping and dining out.
Opt for products with minimal packaging or packaging that is biodegradable or recyclable.
Recycle properly by separating recyclable items and disposing them in the appropriate bin.
Dispose of hazardous waste through designated collection sites such as batteries and electronics.
One organisation leading the way in reducing plastic waste is Soneva, a luxury resort company in the Maldives. Soneva's Namoona project is a waste-to-wealth initiative that encourages sustainable practices among local communities.
Through the Namoona project, Soneva provides waste management training and tools to communities, encouraging them to recycle and upcycle their waste. The project also supports local entrepreneurs in creating products from recycled materials, such as handicrafts and fashion items.
Overall, we can all take small steps to reduce our use of single-use plastics and dispose of waste properly, just like in the Soneva Namoona project. By working together, we can help protect our planet for future generations.
Supporting Sustainable Fishing Practices
We can support sustainable fishing practices by choosing seafood from sustainable sources and supporting organisations that promote sustainable fishing.
Sustainable fishing practices help ensure our oceans and marine ecosystems' long-term health and resilience while supporting local fishing communities' livelihoods.
One way to ensure seafood we consume is sustainable, is to look for the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification. The MSC is an independent, non-profit organisation that promotes sustainable fishing practices and certifies fisheries that meet their strict sustainability standards.
Another way to support sustainable fishing is to praise restaurants and seafood markets prioritising sustainably sourced seafood. By doing so, we send a message to the industry that sustainability is important to consumers and incentivize them to prioritize sustainable practices.
We can also support organisations that work to promote sustainable fishing practices. For example, the Blue Marine Foundation works to create sustainable fishing policies and programs, support marine conservation initiatives, and promote public education on sustainable fishing practices. By supporting organisations like the Blue Marine Foundation, we can help create a more sustainable future for our oceans and the communities that depend on them.
As an example of sustainable fishing practices, Six Senses Lamu Atoll in the Maldives has implemented a range of measures to promote sustainable fishing and protect marine ecosystems. The resort has partnered with the Blue Marine Foundation. This organisation works to create sustainable fishing policies and programs to develop a sustainable fishing program for the local fishing community.
The resort provides the local fishing community with sustainable fishing equipment and training in sustainable fishing practices through this program. This includes using hand lines and circle hooks, which minimise bycatch and ensure that fish are caught sustainably.
In addition to promoting sustainable fishing practices, the resort prioritises using locally sourced and sustainably produced ingredients in its restaurants. This includes seafood sourced from local, sustainable fisheries, and produce grown using organic and regenerative agriculture methods.
By implementing these sustainable practices, Six Senses Lamu Atoll is protecting the marine ecosystems and the livelihoods of local fishing communities and providing its guests with a unique and sustainable culinary experience.
Overall, the example of Six Senses Lamu Atoll highlights the importance of supporting sustainable fishing practices and organisations that promote them. By working together, we can create a more sustainable future for our oceans and the communities that depend on them.
In summary, by making informed choices about the seafood we consume and supporting organisations that promote sustainable fishing practices, we can all play a part in protecting the long-term health of our oceans and the livelihoods of local fishing communities.
Addressing Climate Change
We can address climate change by reducing our carbon emissions and supporting policies and initiatives to reduce climate change's impacts.
Climate change is a complex and urgent problem that affects everyone on the planet. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), global temperatures have risen by about 1.1 degrees Celsius since the pre-industrial era, and human activities, notably the burning of fossil fuels, are the primary cause of this warming.
While big corporations significantly impact carbon emissions and the environment, individuals also play a role in climate change. According to a 2017 report by the Carbon Majors Database, just 100 companies have been responsible for over 70% of global greenhouse gas emissions since 1988. However, individuals also contribute to greenhouse gas emissions through transportation, energy use, and dietary choices.
It's essential to take action at both the corporate and individual levels. Large corporations are responsible for reducing their carbon footprint, transitioning to renewable energy sources, and supporting climate change policies. However, individuals can also make a significant impact by changing their daily habits, such as reducing energy consumption, choosing sustainable transportation options, and adopting a plant-based diet.
In addition to individual actions, it's crucial to advocate for policies and initiatives that address climate change at the local, national, and global levels. This includes supporting renewable energy sources, promoting energy efficiency, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions through regulations and standards.
Ultimately, addressing climate change requires a collective effort, with everyone playing a role in creating a more sustainable future for our planet.
The ocean's survival and health are critical for the survival of our planet and the species that depend on it. To ensure its long-term health and survival, we must take action to protect and conserve it.
By reducing plastic pollution, supporting sustainable fishing practices, and addressing climate change, we can all play a crucial role in protecting the ocean and ensuring its sustainability.
All Images by Matt Porteous
