The ocean is massive. Effectively an immeasurable amount of activity occurs in, around, and because of the ocean. In its complexity, and as a result of sudden and exponential population growth over the last 50 years, many oceanic systems are in trouble.
Overfishing, pollution, and climate change are all taking a toll on our marine ecosystems. Data we obtained through separate professions decades ago has come colliding together to show us where problems have begun to occur on our planet as a whole.
Coral bleaching events are correlated with ocean temperature changes and current changes which are associated with weather patterns and shipping lines. In some cases, assumptions about our impact has led to the loss of species around the world.
But we still have hope for the future! There are many people and organizations working to rehabilitate the ocean and protect its resources. Here are a few of the projects that are making a difference:
This organization is developing technologies to remove plastic pollution from the ocean. The Ocean Cleanup is a non-profit organization founded in 2013 by Boyan Slat. The organization's mission is to rid the world's oceans of plastic pollution. The Ocean Cleanup has developed a system called the System 001/B, which is a large floating barrier that is designed to collect plastic from the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. The System 001/B was deployed in September 2018 and has been collecting plastic since then. The Ocean Cleanup is also working on developing other technologies to help clean up the oceans.
The Ocean Cleanup's mission statement is:
"To develop advanced technologies to rid the world's oceans of plastic."
This organization works to protect marine life and The Sea Shepherd Conservation Society is an international non-profit, marine conservation organization founded in 1977 by Paul Watson. The organization uses direct action to defend wildlife and the environment, and has been involved in a number of high-profile campaigns, including the sinking of illegal whaling ships and the protection of endangered sea turtles.
The Sea Shepherd Conservation Society's mission statement is:
"To defend, conserve and protect the world's oceans and marine life."
The organization believes that the best way to protect the oceans is through direct action, and has a long history of taking on powerful industries and governments in order to save marine life. Sea Shepherd has been successful in a number of its campaigns, and has helped to raise awareness of the threats facing the oceans.
The Sea Shepherd Conservation Society is a controversial organization, but it is also one of the most effective marine conservation organizations in the world.
This organization is working to restore coral reefs, which are vital to marine ecosystems. The Coral Reef Alliance (CRA) is a non-profit organization that works to protect coral reefs around the world. CRA was founded in 1994 by marine scientists who were concerned about the decline of coral reefs. The organization's mission is to "save coral reefs through science, advocacy, and education."
CRA works to protect coral reefs in a number of ways. The organization conducts research on coral reefs, develops conservation programs, and educates the public about the importance of coral reefs. CRA also works to advocate for policies that protect coral reefs.
Coral reefs are important for a number of reasons. They provide food and shelter for marine life, protect coastlines from erosion, and help to regulate the climate. Coral reefs are also important for tourism and recreation.
Coral reefs are threatened by a number of factors, including climate change, pollution, and overfishing. CRA works to protect coral reefs from these threats.
If you are interested in learning more about CRA, you can visit their website at www.coralreefalliance.org.
The mission statement of The Coral Reef Alliance is:
"To save coral reefs through science, advocacy, and education."
Photo @happylittlefishes
This aquarium is working to educate the public about the ocean and its importance. The Monterey Bay Aquarium is a non-profit public aquarium located in Monterey, California, United States. The aquarium was founded in 1984 and is dedicated to the study, conservation, and public understanding of the marine environment. The aquarium has over 35,000 marine animals and plants from over 600 species on display in its 325,000 square feet (30,200 m2) of ocean-view vivariums.
The aquarium's mission statement is:
"To inspire conservation of the ocean."
The aquarium accomplishes this mission through its research, education, and conservation programs. The aquarium's research program is focused on understanding the marine environment and developing conservation strategies. The aquarium's education program provides educational opportunities for people of all ages, from preschool children to adults. Their conservation programs are thorough and are growing consistently. Many resources are made available to the public to help them make more effective choices to help preserve the ocean.
The Monterey Bay Aquarium is a popular tourist destination, attracting over 2 million visitors annually and is also a major research center and a leader in marine conservation.
These are just a few of the many organizations that are working to rehabilitate the ocean. With the help of these few and many others, we can make a difference and protect our planet's most important and interconnected resource. The Ocean is our climate control system, and it needs maintenance.
In addition to these projects, there are many things that individuals can do to help rehabilitate the ocean. Here are a few tips:
Reduce your plastic consumption through decisions and reuse.
Recycle properly and effectively. Make sure your cans and bottles are empty and clean.
Support sustainable seafood and find transparent supply chains.
Volunteer with an ocean conservation organization, or become a naturalist where you live!
Educate others about the importance of the ocean and learn more about it!
Every little bit helps. By taking action, we can all make a difference for the ocean, and in turn, it will make a difference for us.
Thanks for reading,