Our Oceans are in Danger: 5 Ways to Help

I am a big supporter of helping the environment, reducing waste and recycling materials, but what about whats lying beneath the surface? When you go to the beach and breathe in the salty air and dip your toes in the water, are you thinking about the creatures living underneath? What about the risks that the ocean is facing? I'm guessing you haven't thought about the warmer ocean temperatures either. We need to start focusing on the entire earth, not just part of it.

The oceans temperatures are beginning to rise. 90% of global warming ends up in the ocean. When oceans get warmer, they expand which raises the sea levels and "reduces the amount of oxygen dissolved in the water."If the surface water is warmer that means that it becomes less dense and incapable of mixing down into the depths of the ocean. 

You might be thinking, "this has nothing to do with me I don't even live by the ocean!" or, "we can survive without the ocean. Is it really that important?" 

Many people have the mind set of "it's not near me so it does not affect me." People need to change the way they think and start realizing that anything happening with our environment affects everyone. 

Marine life need oxygen, and if there isn't as much of it to go around then "that could expand the number of areas sometimes called oxygen minimum zones where plants, fish and other organisms would struggle to survive." Mathew Long, an oceanographer with the National Center for Atmospheric Research has found that global warming is causing parts of the ocean to have oxygen deficiency. He believes that by 2030, "the human role in driving widespread ocean oxygen loss will be even more apparent if greenhouse gas emissions continue unchecked."

I'll link the rest of the article from the Washington Post below if you want to continue reading about the new study. 

The oceans should not be neglected because they are in desperate need of help. We are the ones who have put the oceans in the state that is in, so it is our job to get them back in shape. Imagine the ocean as your son or daughter. Do you want them to suffer, or do you want to help them out of their downward spiral and help them get back on their feet?

Here are 5 ways to help the ocean:

1.) Clean up your beach!

If you're spending a day at the beach, make sure that you don't forget to clean up your wrappers, water bottles or trash. Participate in beach cleanups!

2.) Stop using plastic:

Plastic can end up as ocean debris. This can lead to habitat destruction. The plastic soda rings that keep your 12 sodas together at the market can kill tens of thousands of marine animals. If you're going to use them, at least cut them up so that fish can't get stuck in them and die. Carry a reusable water bottle and bring your own reusable bag to the market. Always remember to recycle!

3.) Reduce your energy consumption:

Try to use your car only when you have to. Walking more is great exercise and will help the environment. Change your light bulbs to compact fluorescent light bulbs and try to wear a jacket if you're cold instead of oversetting your thermostat.

4.) Don't buy products that harm marine life:

Some products like coral jewelry, tortoiseshell hair accessories and shark products harm fragile coral reefs and the marine population. 

5.) Educate yourself!

Educate yourself on the ocean and marine life. Read up on the dangers that the ocean is facing. 

Washington Post article: https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2016/04/28/global-warming-could-deplete-the-oceans-oxygen-levels-with-severe-consequences/

National Geographic article: http://ocean.nationalgeographic.com/ocean/take-action/10-things-you-can-do-to-save-the-ocean/