Protecting the Oceans a Global Responsibility

While much of the current conservation discussion surrounds how to save money on fuel and energy, conserving the world's oceans is also something that needs to be discussed, and not just by those people who live at or near the nation's coastlines. Rather, there are a variety of things everyone can do, many of them very easy, that can make a strong and positive impact on the world's oceans.

* Avoid eating harmful "delicacies." Shark fin soup has become a popular delicacy at high-end restaurants over the years. As global ocean advocates Oceana note, the growing popularity of shark fin soup has led to anywhere from 26 to 73 million sharks being killed each year for their fins. This places substantial pressure on the shark fishing industry, and has upset ocean life as a result. Plenty of other delicacies are ocean-friendly, so those looking to do their part can be a great help and order those in lieu of shark fin soup.

* Reduce your carbon footprint. This one has many benefits that stretch beyond conserving the world's oceans. The carbon dioxide from burning fossil fuels is making the world's oceans more acidic. This is highly harmful to coral reefs and shell-producing animals, making it difficult for them to produce their skeletons and shells. The more acidic oceans become, the more likely that the shells of animals such as sea snails and oysters will begin to dissolve.

Reducing your carbon footprint can not only benefit the ocean by making it less acidic, but benefit your bottom line as well. Reduce how much you drive by riding a bike to run easy errands, or use public transportation to and from work. In addition, purchase only efficient appliances for your home. Regardless of where you live, whether it's on a beach or in a landlocked part of the country, doing these things will save you money and help save the oceans as well.

* Reduce plastic waste. Plastic water bottles and plastic grocery bags may seem convenient and harmless, but they actually contribute to the unnecessary deaths of many marine animals. Floating plastic can resemble food to many marine animals, including birds and sea turtles. Consequently, if these animals don't choke on the plastics, which they often do, they could eventually starve to death because the plastics block their digestive systems when eaten. The result is not only the premature death of many marine animals, but the upset of the ocean life cycle. Instead of buying water in plastic water bottles, reduce waste by purchasing a water filter and drinking water from the tap instead. Also, rather than use plastic bags from the grocery store, purchase reusable bags and bring them with you when you go to the grocery store. Both of these changes seem relatively small and easy, but they can both have a very positive impact when implemented.

* Don't purchase products that harm the oceans. Certain products are produced through environmentally harmful methods. Cosmetics that contain shark squalene and jewelry made of coral are linked to unsustainable fishing methods that can and will destroy ocean ecosystems. When purchasing cosmetics or jewelry, do your homework and purchase only those products that are environmentally-friendly.