1) GO GREENER

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Your personal carbon footprint plays a significant role in the production of greenhouse gasses, which contribute to an increase in climate change. 

 

The effects of climate changes include:

 

• Warmer ocean temperatures

• Rising water levels

• Rising ph (acidity) levels of the ocean

• These pose a threat to the survival of the ocean’s fauna and flora, but there are steps that each of us can take to mitigate climate change. 

• Begin by making small changes. Use energy-efficient light bulbs, join a lift club, or even better, start cycling. The more small changes you can make to your personal lifestyle, the better!

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2) CUT DOWN ON YOUR PLASTIC USE

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Participate in regular beach clean-ups in your area. Reducing plastic waste is one way to try and save the ocean. Single-use plastics pollute our oceans and destroy marine habitats and it also leads to the death of numerous marine wildlife creatures.

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One study estimates that there are between 15 and 51 trillion microplastics particles floating on the surface of the oceans. Apart from becoming entangled in plastic, certain creatures, like sea turtles, develop the “floating syndrome” where they float from ingesting plastic. A floating turtle can’t flee from its predators or move away from boats, let alone dive down into the ocean for its next meal.

 

Cut down on your plastic use by refusing, reusing and recycling. 

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3) COUNTERACT TOXIC SPILLS

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Toxic materials often find their way to the ocean when they are not disposed of properly.

 

Think of your own body, if you fill it with unhealthy things, you will get sick and won’t be able to perform at your best. The ocean isn’t any different. Any toxic chemicals that enter the ocean will affect its overall health.

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As an example, when you use toxic materials, like motor oil, don’t pour leftovers down the drain, rather make sure to dispose of it in a drop-off site designed for this purpose.

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4) JOIN OCEANS ALIVE: BEACH AND DIVER CLEAN-UPS

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Oceans Alive marine conservation participants complete Dive Clean-ups on rocky reefs, coral reefs and wrecks in an effort to save the oceans and ocean wildlife.

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You can get involved with Oceans Alive Clean-up Campaign‘s in your local community by:

 

Picking up any marine debris you come across during your beach walks or ocean dives

Organising group recreational dive events in your area to remove debris from our oceans

Look into collaborating with Oceans Alive and local authorities and making a regular effort

 

You might just spark interest in someone else and soon you can have a whole team working together in collaboration with Oceans Alive to help clean up our oceans! 

 

If you’re not a diver, you could just liaise with Oceans Alive to sponsor and organise beach clean-ups in your area.

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Oceans Alive diving volunteers collect plastic waste while out on a dive. 

Removing plastic from fragile marine habitats is an important step in saving the oceans.

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5) SUPPORT SUSTAINABLE FISHERIES

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Fish populations are being depleted at an alarming rate because of habitat destruction and unsustainable commercial fishing practices. Make sure that you only eat fish and other seafood on the Ocean Friendly approved list. Give yourself peace of mind by choosing the Ocean Friendly eco-labels and support sustainable fisheries. This, in turn, supports the future of our oceans.

 

6) DON’T BUY PRODUCTS MADE FROM MARINE LIFE

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When you visit a coastal town you are likely to see souvenirs made from various forms of marine life.

 

Don’t buy:

 

Turtle or tortoise shells

Large Seashells

Turtle or tortoise shell hair accessories

Coral jewellery

Shark products, especially teeth and fins

Any cosmetics containing traces of whales or sharks - however tempting that new red lipstick might look, be sure it is ocean-friendly before you buy it!

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7) SUPPORT MARINE CONSERVATION EDUCATION

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Support Oceans Alive community awareness and education campaigns in your area

 

You can assist with initiating a project with Oceans Alive or you can offer financial support to assist Oceans Alive in spreading the word about marine conservation. 

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Alternatively, you can lend a hand by becoming an Oceans Alive volunteer to help communities learn about the importance of marine conservation. Your continued support will contribute to raising awareness, and taking the steps needed to turn the tide in favour of the oceans!

 

Oceans Alive volunteers and campaign participants collect marine conservation data which is used to support local authorities in policy making strategies to save and protect the oceans. Ready to ramp up your efforts to preserve the oceans? There are many marine conservation opportunities available through Oceans Alive and other like organizations to make a sustainable difference in for marine life.

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Explore the underwater wonderland, coastal environments, ocean wildlife and other incredible fields with one of Oceans Alive global volunteer programs and internships. 

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