The United Nations celebrates World Ocean Day on June 8.
This year’s theme, The Ocean: Life & Livelihoods, highlights the wonder of the ocean and how it is our life source, supporting humanity and every other organism on earth.
While critically important to humanity and all species, oceans are also fragile.
Oceans are an asset we must look after for the sake of all life and livelihoods.
Human impacts including climate change are threatening food security and sovereignty, the resilience of marine ecosystems and the marine economy that is the livelihood for many.
As with most of the impacts of climate change, it will disproportionately affect the poor.
What can you do?
- Reduce your use of plastics: refuse, reduce, reuse, recycle.
- Reduce your carbon footprint and energy consumption: use public transport and turn off unnecessary appliances.
- Make sustainable seafood choices: check the label – is it ocean friendly?
- Help take care of the beach: volunteer with an organisation or simply pick up debris as you walk.
- Travel the ocean responsibly: be mindful of wildlife and never throw anything overboard.
- Campaign for change: support campaign groups such Coastcare and Great Barrier Reef Foundation to protect and rebuild marine areas.
- Educate yourself and your friends about oceans and marine life: the more you know, the more you’ll want to help ensure the health of the ocean – then share that knowledge to educate and inspire others.
https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/how-can-i-protect-the-ocean/
“Our actions over the next 10 years will determine the state of the ocean for the next 10,000 years.”
Dr.Sylvia Earle, Marine Biologist & Conservationist
Full article here.
Felicity Maher
Sustainability Officer
