ECOWATCH: The alarm bell has been rung, the oceans are in trouble
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“We have little time to nurture the ocean’s resilience, remove threats and pollutants,
eliminate disruption, especially because global warming has an increasing impact on ocean health.”
– IAP statement on the protection of our marine environment
Almost all of the quotes appearing in EcoWatch have come from individuals. However, this week an organization, called the Interacademy Partnership (IAP) has been cited because of their part in sounding the alarm for the earth’s oceans.
The IAP is an interglobal network of scientists, engineers and medical academies that provide a report for the annual June 8 World Ocean Day. And the report this year is sobering.
The purpose of World Ocean Day is to inform the public of the impact of human activity on the ocean, develop a worldwide movement of citizens for the oceans and mobilize a unit of the world’s population on a project for the sustainable management of the world’s oceans.
It has been said that the oceans are the “lungs of the earth,” because the majority of the oxygen we breathe comes from the oceans. And according to reports on the condition of our planet’s oceans, we have not been good stewards.
The oceans are absolutely essential to the survival of our planet. Consider the following in respect to how vital they are to our survival.
• Over three billion people rely on the oceans for their livelihood.
• The oceans contain 50 to 80 percent of all life on earth.
• Only one percent of the oceans are legally protected.
• Harmful algae blooms are increasing. They can cause massive fish kills and contaminate seafood with toxins.
• Oceans help reduce climate change by storing large amounts of carbon dioxide. But increasing levels of dissolved carbons are making the seawater more acidic.
• About 70 percent of the oxygen, we breathe is provided by the oceans.
• The sea is home to the world’s largest living structure – The Great Barrier Reef in Australia – which is in major trouble. The reef is dying due to pollution and contaminants. If this continues, its loss would be catastrophic to the area and could have effects worldwide.
• Ninety percent of all volcanic activity occurs in the oceans.
• We have explored only about five percent of the world’s oceans. Much more needs to be explored.
• According to the World Register of Marine Species, there are currently at least 236,878 named marine species.
Why are the oceans in trouble? The number one reason is that they are polluted by mankind. We are a throwaway society, lazy and spoiled, having no qualms about using the ocean as a garbage dump.
Consider that plastic beverage bottles, plastic bags, plastic cups, plates, silverware and straws are discarded on beaches daily by people who do not care about the environment and just toss their garbage anywhere except in the garbage bins provided for them. Which means that on a windy day, all the plastic throwaways will wind up in the water, and eventually the plastic will be nibbled by fish and other marine animals. Studies show that members of at least 386 fish species have ingested plastic.
Eventually this careless behavior will take its toll on the human population. Many reports say humans already have plastic residues in their bodies.
If that is not enough to shake your head at, consider that the disposal of medical waste into the oceans is also a major problem. Recently three other contaminants were found in Florida’s waters: opioids, antibiotics and blood pressure medications.
Covid virus precautions have also added to the pollution of our waters – especially plastic masks, whose loops can easily become entangled with fish. Some 28,000 tons of Covid-19 waste are now swirling around in our oceans.
And we cannot ignore another type of danger to ocean waters: noise pollution. Seismic testing, air guns, pile drivers, dynamite fishing and drilling platforms, have made the ocean an unbearably noisy place for marine life.
Sad to say, there are so many other ways irresponsible behavior by cruise ships, cargo ships and yes, homeowners can be deleterious to our ocean waters.
Below are some ways to help stop the future destruction of sea life and the oceans themselves.
• Conserve water. Use less water so that excess runoff and wastewater will not flow into the ocean.
• Reduce pollutants. Cut down on what you throw away.
• Shop wisely. Choose sustainable seafood. Buy less plastic, and bring reusable bags to the beach with you.
• Fish responsibly. Follow catch- and-release practices, keeping more fish in the sea.
• Respect marine habitats. Healthy habitats and survival go hand-in-hand.
• Choose nontoxic chemicals and dispose of herbicides, pesticides and cleaning products properly.
• Don’t flush medications down the toilet. Dispose of them properly. Don’t use suntan lotions that can be fatal to sea life.
It is important to heed the experts who say our oceans are in danger of collapsing. Albert Schweitzer said it best when he wrote: “Man has lost the capacity to foresee and forestall. He will end by destroying the earth.”
SOURCES
NOAA.org
Livescience.com /plastic-pandemic-waste-clogs-oceans
EPA.gov/ocean-dumping/learn-about-ocean dumping
Ndtv.com/india-news/world-oceans, dc
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