Protecting Oceans

The oceans are very important to all life on earth. About 80 percent of earth's life resides in the ocean. Some of these species are vital to the environment as well as people; many fish are a major food source to some people. The ocean provides many minerals, proteins, energy and other important products. The ocean also controls weather in many places and produces over half of our air. It can also be a source of water for small bodies of water like rivers on land. If there were no oceans, there would be little to no life.

Threats to the Oceans

Here is a list of the greatest threats to the ocean and an explanation of why these threats are happening. The first threat I’m going to list is the catching of animal species. This happens when fishing nets catch other sea life than intended. Some people let the other creatures go, but others still kill and sell them or just kill them.

The second threat is pollution. There are many reasons pollutants get into the ocean. Some are accidents like oil spills or factory explosions, but others are intentional. For example, some people toss litter into the sea.

The last threat is global warming. Because of air pollution, global temperatures are rising and sea life like coral are dying in masses because they're unable to adapt to the new climate.

What's Being Done to Protect the Oceans?

We are doing many things to protect the oceans, and everyone should do their part. One way we can save our oceans and their inhabitants is by making marine reserves. Marine reserves are pieces of the ocean that are well reserved for marine life, hence the name marine reserve. Marine reserves can be used in a variety of different ways. One way is useful for fisheries and declining species. Since there is no human activity in the reserve, many fish and other marine animals can grow to adulthood. After time has passed, the marine reserve will become overpopulated and fish will leave. Then people will catch some of the fish that leave and the other fish will start to populate other areas. If the species was declining, its numbers will rise again. Marine reserves are also good for very delicate species and habitats that are easily harmed by humans. The good thing about marine reserves is that they don't only protect against over-fishing; they also protect against pollution.

Many governments and groups are trying to stop the oceans from being destroyed. People have gotten chlorine factories to stop using mercury in factories.

How Can You Help?

Saving the ocean is a fairly easy thing to do. Since one of the biggest threats to the ocean is global warming, you can get energy efficient light bulbs or get a water saving toile. If you search our site, you can find other ways to beat global warming.  Here's a list of more direct things you can do:

• Think before you do anything that could affect the ocean (if I do this, what will happen).
• Don’t eat any/as much seafood, it might not come from an eco-friendly source.
• Fish for recreation and let the fish go back into the ocean; take a picture as a trophy instead of a fish.
• Take a trip to the beach and look at the wildlife, so then you can have something personal you want to protect.
• Use ocean friendly products; try to avoid coral jewelry and medicine that needs to kill sea life.
• Remember you can always get involved in a cleanup team if you live on a coast.
• Lastly, never release aquarium fish into the wild, they may become invasive.

So there are some easy things you can do to save the ocean. In my opinion, the ocean is in danger, and it needs your help.