School of fish off the coast of the Maldives. Photograph by: Sebastian Pena Lambarri
Ocean conservation, also known as marine conservation, is the protection and preservation of marine ecosystems. Ocean conservation aims to protect marine species, habitats, and coastal communities while limiting the damage caused by human activity. Conservationists advocate for the health of our oceans, recognizing that life on Earth depends on healthy oceans.
Current and emerging threats to marine biodiversity
Our oceans are under greater threat than ever before in recorded history. Human activity, species and habitat loss, and climate change are some of the leading threats to marine ecosystems. Other issues scientists and conservationists work to address include:
Reducing bycatch and overfishing in marine fisheries
Establishing marine protected areas
Addressing plastic pollution, debris, and runoff that contaminate marine ecosystems.
Creating ocean policies and environmental laws
Protecting coral reefs and studying coral bleaching
Ocean acidification and global warming
To highlight the importance of marine conservation, it is critical to acknowledge the current state of our oceans. Coral ecosystems, which an estimated 25% of all marine life depend on, suffer from the influx of CO2 emissions and warming ocean temperatures. Half of all coral reefs have died in the last 30 years. The oceans are also experiencing a worldwide plastic crisis that is suffocating marine life. 8 million metric tons of plastic end up in the ocean each year. At the current rate, there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish by 2050. While it is easy to become overwhelmed or discouraged by the severity of our damage to the oceans, humans still depend on the oceans as a food source, economy, renewable energy, climate regulation and much more. This relationship between human society and the oceans is even stronger for coastal and indigenous communities. Ocean conservation plays a key role in protecting the health and biodiversity of the ocean, which is essential to life on Earth.
Pair of Bottlenose dolphins. Photograph by: NOAA
Conservation efforts
When it comes to protecting marine ecosystems, conservation comes in many forms. One of the most successful methods is establishing marine protected areas. In these designated areas, human activity is regulated so that wildlife and natural resources are not disturbed. These areas may include the open ocean, seas, estuaries, and coastal areas. These protected areas are essential for the future survival of vulnerable species and has been found to increase biodiversity by 21%.
Another important aspect of ocean conservation is education and outreach. Organizations such as Big Blue & You are critical to raising awareness and advocating for the oceans. Conservationists rely on education and outreach initiatives to inspire others to change their perspective on their environmental impact. Education is the catalyst for change; it can even spark passion in future ocean stewards.
Whale shark swims in the Indian Ocean. Photograph by: Ishan @seefromthesky
Ways to get involved
You don't have to be a marine biologist to make a positive impact on the ocean. Anyone with a passion for the oceans can get involved in a variety of programs ranging from online courses to internships! This list provides a few ideas to help you get started, but don't be afraid to think outside the box.
Be a conscious consumer, avoid buying items in plastic packaging, choose sustainable seafood, and support local businesses.
Attend a beach clean up or organize your own. If you do not live near the coast, help clean the local waterways.
Substitute plastic products for sustainable alternatives
Use less water and energy in your home
Volunteer with environmental advocacy groups
Apply for internships
Write to Congress to support environmental legislation
Now it's your turn! Big Blue & You encourages you to get involved with ocean conservation. We all can make a difference towards creating more sustainable, inclusive, and healthy communities. And it starts with the ocean.
Written by: Marine Science student and Big Blue Crew member Hannah Connell
Hannah is an undergraduate student at Boston University studying Marine Science. She is interested in the dynamics of coral reef ecosystems and ocean policy. Hannah is currently conducting research on shark bycatch reduction devices. She advocates for the oceans by educating the community on marine issues and using sustainable alternatives in her daily life.
Learn more about Hannah:
Instagram: http://instagram.com/hannahconnell__/