One need only look at photos of the Pacific Ocean Trash Gyre to realize that we’re abusing the world’s oceans. For such an important part of our ecosystem (did you know that phytoplankton provide half the world’s oxygen?), we sure do treat it with very little respect. Oil, fertilizer, trash, toxic chemicals, invasive species – all of these things wreak utter havoc on ocean ecosystems and disturb the delicate balance that keeps every living thing on this planet alive.
When you think of all the things that are going wrong – from dead zones to overfishing – it can be tough to determine where we should even start in the battle to improve the health of the world’s oceans and protect them from pollution. The Practical Environmentalist has put together a list of 10 steps that don’t just explain the ways in which we can protect oceans, but what you personally as an individual can do.
Here are the first two, from the Practical Environmentalist:
1) Restore damaged ocean habitat
In areas that have been fished out or poisoned by industry, native species have often been wiped out. But, that doesn’t mean that Cod have been permanently wiped out in the Atlantic, or that scallops will never return to the Virginia fisheries. Jennifer Rich is planting sea grass in an effort to restore the scallop breeding grounds of her home state. She led a volunteer effort off the coast of Virginia to replant eel grass in environmentally damaged areas. Her effort is ongoing, and similar replanting projects could use your help. Wetlands and mangrove forests are especially valuable because they filter sediment, pesticides, and fertilizer runoff before they get to the ocean.
If you’d like to get your hands dirty in another way, plan a beach vacation off of the beaten path. Once a year, the Ocean Conservancy does a worldwide project to remove trash from the shore. Last year, volunteers cleaned up more than 30,000 miles of shoreline. In a single day, more than 7 million pieces of trash were collected for proper disposal. Check with your City Hall – many towns are happy to supply trash bins, rubber gloves, and even boats to anyone who wants to clean up local waterways.
2) Protect natural buffer systems.
Biosystems are nature’s utilities – they desalinate water, absorb carbon, liberate nutrients from the ground, and provide other services free of charge. The plants and animals that make up these systems are often treated as commodities, but killing the goose that lays golden eggs will only put food on the table for a day. Protecting biosystems can pay dividends for years to come.
Forests are an essential buffer for the oceans. Old growth trees neutralize the pH of rain and absorb harmful chemicals before they reach the ocean. Trees that grow in estuaries and along riverways are especially important, but those areas also face increased development pressure and they are easy for loggers to access. Shoreline habitat is being destroyed to build giant shrimp farms and resort hotels. Luckily, there are now sustainable forestry and aquaculture options available. Sustainable logging allows limited harvesting of resources without destroying the natural processes that we benefit from. The next time you buy lumber or land, do some research and check for certifications of sustainability.
Get the rest of the list at PracticalEnvironmentalist.com.
Who knew that kitty litter has an effect on water pollution? Lots of great tips here. Cliched as it may sound, each and every one of us is responsible for making personal decisions that determine the health of the entire planet and these steps are definitely a great way to make an impact.
Link [Practical Environmentalist]
