What can you do to help protect our oceans?
- Make Safe, Sustainable Seafood Choices
Global fish populations are rapidly being depleted due to demand, loss of habitat, and unsustainable fishing practices. When shopping or dining out, help reduce the demand for over-exploited species by choosing seafood that is both healthful and sustainable. Always know what to order by downloading a sustainable seafood guide from Monterey Bay Aquarium. Or try going vegan!
- Use Fewer Plastic Products
Plastics that end up as ocean debris contribute to habitat destruction and entangle and kill tens of thousands of marine animals each year. To limit your impact, carry a reusable water bottle, store food in non-disposable containers, bring your own cloth tote or other reusable bag when shopping, and recycle whenever possible.
- Don’t Purchase Items That Exploit Marine Life
Certain products contribute to the harming of fragile coral reefs and marine populations. Avoid purchasing items such as coral jewelry, tortoiseshell hair accessories (made from hawksbill turtles), and shark products.
- Support Organizations Working to Protect the Ocean
Many institutes and organizations are fighting to protect ocean habitats and marine wildlife. Find a national organization and consider giving financial support or volunteering for hands-on work or advocacy. If you live near the coast, join up with a local branch or group and get involved in projects close to home.
- Clean Up Your Act
Even if you don’t live near the coast, water—and anything else—that goes down your drain can eventually end up in the ocean. You can help keep the ocean and other waterways healthy by picking your cleaning products carefully. Many household chores can be done with simple, non-toxic ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, or lemon juice.
- Make Your Voice Heard
Urge the U.S. Congress to protect the Arctic and Atlantic from new oil and gas drilling! Write the President and your Senator and Congressman today. The Obama Administration is considering a new five-year plan that will keep Big Oil out of our cherished Atlantic coast for now, but opens the fragile Arctic Ocean to dangerous new oil and gas drilling. Any drilling in these pristine waters threatens the Arctic and its wildlife with the risk of devastating oil spills and will drive more climate-wrecking carbon pollution for generations to come. And without permanent protection, our densely populated Atlantic coast could be threatened by new drilling in the future.
- Teach Your Children to Respect our Environment
As you enjoy our natural surroundings, teach your children to respect our environment. Much of the plastic and debris found in the ocean has its beginnings in beach litter. As beach crowds increase, so does the amount of trash left behind. Don’t let your day at the beach contribute to the destruction of our oceans. Bring a trash bag with you for your garbage and volunteer for beach clean-ups.