Seven ways to help restore oceans

Pollution, ecological disturbance caused by global warming, over-fishing and other degradations over the years have caused severe adverse effects on the marine ecosystem. Several marine species are becoming endangered and on the verge of extinction. A functional restoration plan is required to restore our oceans. Some of the most effective ways of doing so are listed as under:

Restore oceans

1. Go Organic

Go Organic

Agricultural toxic-chemical drainage is one of the leading causes of oil pollution, thereby destroying the oceans. The only way to stop this from happening is an assertive “No” to all chemically grown food. Going the organic way not only is good for your own general health and well being but also for the world environment.

2. Only use sunscreen when absolutely necessary

Use of sunscreen

Surprisingly, there are a lot of studies that reveal that the chemicals in sunscreen are not just bad for us but they are also known to kill coral reefs. If this continues for a long time, chances are that coral reefs would be totally destroyed in our lifetime. That would be a huge irreparable loss to nature and environment. In our endeavor to restore the oceans, we certainly must avoid using sunscreen or use just a minimal amount before taking a dunk in the sea.

3. Avoid plastics at all costs

Avoid plastics at all costs

Plastic cannot be recycled and is one of the leading causes of ocean pollution. Plastic is made from petroleum that in turn is derived from oil. Oil harvesting is another major source of ocean pollution. It is ironical that creating plastic pollutes the ocean in the first place and is dumped back into the ocean. Plastic bags, bottles, bottle caps, containers and all kind of other mundane household stuff made of plastic should be totally banned world over as an endeavor to restore natural environment.

4. Limit fish consumption

Limit fish consumption

Fish is no doubt great for you but you must still limit its consumption so that you are left with enough fish for generations to come. One of the biggest threats to the earth’s oceans today is the practice of over fishing. As your personal contribution , you should set limits for the week or portion size so that you do not over-indulge. Many catholic people prefer fish over meat on Fridays because of a religious connotation that prevents them from having meat on Fridays.

Instead of switching to fish recipes, it would be better if they decide to go vegan on that day. You must also limit fish food for your pets. Lot of fish that whales and dolphins feed on and wasted fish as a result of inefficient harvesting is used to produce pet food. You must abstain from pet food that says “fish meal” on the label. Also, it is a great idea to replace eating fish with wholemega fish capsules once in a while. That ways, you contribute to restoring the marine environment without compromising on nutritional values derived by eating fish.

5. Government intervention

Government intervention

It is a known fact that the world’s foremost fisheries have been exploited to such an extent that many species have become extinct. Human demand surpasses the supply because human demand is constantly increasing while reproductive rates of the marine population fall behind. The practice of over fishing is a threat to the ocean food chain and the entire marine ecosystem.

There is a need of some type of enactment of comprehensive government policies that would safeguard the oceans. Sanctuaries and reserves for marine conservation need to be established. Fishing limits should be set and fishing should be prohibited in reserve areas. Marine animals should also be protected from threats caused by unethical human activities. These steps can help in creating sustainable fisheries and restoring marine environment.

6. Limit Oil consumption

Limit Oil consumption

If you are a water baby and a water sports lover, try engaging in oil-free activities like sailing, swimming and surfing. Also since oil is a major ocean polluter and a non replenishable resource, it makes sense to limit oil consumption in all your pursuits. Take a walk wherever you can, ride a horse, drive a hybrid, ride a bike instead of using a car. Find alternative means of transportation so as to save your money and gas, thereby keeping the oceans cleaner.

7. Halting Global warming

Halting Global warming

Global warming is severely impacting the entire ocean ecosystem and posing a threat to the wildlife and people that depend on the sea for their survival. Ever rising temperatures in the atmosphere have caused glaciers and polar ice to melt, thereby causing the sea levels to rise. This ongoing process is resulting in the destruction of ocean’s coral reefs and extinction of a number of other marine species.

All possible efforts should be made to halt global warming. More and more trees should be planted to counter-balance the adverse effects of global warming and climate change. All non-replenishable resources should be preserved.