A few small changes to the way we live, can make a huge impact on ocean health.
Let’s remind ourselves that we are all connected to our ocean. Experience it, learn something new, or simply take a moment to breathe… every second breath you take comes from our ocean.
Go for a beach walk, jump in for a swim or snorkel, or explore a marine park. Search… “Beach walks near me” or “Marine parks near me”.
Remember to check your local fishing rules and only take what you need. Search… “fishing rules”
Dive into ocean documentaries, podcasts and books. Follow an ocean hashtag:
#oceanconservation
#marinelife
#sustainablefishing
#saveouroceans
Did you know that if shipping was a country, it would be the 8th largest carbon emitter in the world?
A few small changes in the way we shop can have a huge impact on reducing how our ocean is affected by shipping and waste. Just start by being curious.
Where did the product come from?
How long will it last?
Is it good for me and our planet?
Keep an eye out for any independent sustainability certification. Visit the Australian Sustainable Seafood Guide to help you with your next trip to the supermarket.
(and remember to wait 10 mins to let it absorb into your skin).
The products we put on our skin wash off when we enter the water and unfortunately these chemicals can concentrate in our most popular snorkelling and diving spots. Many of these chemicals can harm marine life, including corals.
While shopping, ask yourself “Is it made of single-use plastic? Will I use it? Could I give an ‘experience’ as a gift, rather than an object?”
What if we even changed the way goods are transported to your shops or even your door? Many businesses are getting behind greener options for transporting goods around the globe.
In 2019, an estimated 460 million metric tonnes of global plastics was consumed. Less than 10% of the plastic waste generated was recycled! In the same year, 1.7 million metric tonnes of plastic waste ended up in our ocean.
Source: Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
Join the conversation and get in on the action. The world beneath the waves is out of sight and out of mind for many people. It needs a voice. Can you help?
“What’s your favourite thing to do at the beach?” “Did you know that 65% of the seafood sold in Australia is imported? The imported seafood doesn’t even have to meet the same traceability standards as locally caught seafood.”
Search… “marine campaigns for change” or “coastal volunteers”.
Photo Credits
Man Snorkelling – Orjan F. Ellingvag/Corbis Historical via Getty Images
Grandmother and granddaughter fishing – Jaimi Joy via Getty Images
Backpacker walking on the beach – John Crux Photography via Getty Images
Fish on ice – Xinhua News Agency via Getty Images
Adult applying sunscreen to child – MediaNews Group/The Riverside Press-Enterprise via Getty Images
Woman browsing clothing rack – SolStock via Getty Images
Woman pouring nuts into paper bag – Westend61 via Getty Images
Three women walking on a beach – SB Arts Media via Getty Images
Two humpback whales – Philip Thurston via Getty Images