Save our source of seafood

The impact of human actions on the oceans

MORE than two-thirds of our sapphire-blue planet’s surface is ocean-bound and has been a major source for food, energy and more.

Biologists and geologists have proof that life may have begun from the ocean, in the depths around geothermal vents, which may mean our oceans could very well be a cradle of life.

Mankind has instead returned that favour by dumping much of our refuse into the seas, from chemical and human wastes to the worst pollutant of all, plastics.

Yet ironically, we still regard the oceans as a main food source and have overfished our waters, despite these seafood being affected by microplastics and toxic wastes.

Some of the more serious contaminations come from oil spills or fertiliser runoffs that can affect whole marine ecosystems and definitely the quality or even quantity of our food supply.

Because of that, the United Nations declared World Oceans Day on June 8 starting from 2009, in order to highlight the impact of human actions on the ocean, develop a worldwide movement of citizens for the ocean, then mobilise and unite the world’s population on a project for the sustainable management of the world’s oceans.

This year’s theme, which is “Planet Ocean: tides are changing” is a call to take action and encourage Earth’s citizens to do their part.

Halting the dumping

Since the rise of plastics, our seas and oceans have been littered with anything from drinking bottles to used straws — bits of plastic that not just mar the pristine coastlines, but end up being long-term death sentences to many marine life.

As was covered in last month’s article “Microplastics: An invisible threat to our environment and waters”, plastics also come in various sizes and smaller ones end up being either ingested or breathed into the system and will end being deposited in the body.

Ways to replace plastics include opting for plastic-free alternatives and to swap single-use plastics, like straws, plastic water bottles, plastic bags and more with greener substitutes.

One problem with large trawler fishing is the high rate of bycatch. ― Picture by NOAA

Besides plastics, greenhouse gases also end up changing the oceans that make it conducive for marine life to thrive. One large culprit is carbon dioxide.

By reducing our carbon footprint, such as cutting fuel consumption and turning off electricity when not in use, less carbon goes into the atmosphere and causes less acidity to the oceans.

As an individual, you can stop the beachside accumulation by just being aware of the amount of trash that you have with you when you visit any natural recreational spots like the beach or even the park.

Remember to keep all your trash with you, so you can either recycle or to properly dispose of later when you leave.

Sustainable sources

Another way to support World Oceans Day is to choose sustainably caught wild seafood. Look out for markets that source their fishes directly from local fishermen.

Not only will you be supporting the local fishing industry, wild-caught seafood is more sustainable than those from wholesale trawler fishing, which usually results in overfishing and reduces the chance for the ecosystem to regenerate.

Another problem with large trawler fishing is that the rate of bycatch — catching of non-target species during fishing that can include dolphins, marine turtles and seabirds — is a shocking 40%.

Also, be aware of products that are directly linked to the endangering or harming of a threatened species, such as supporting the consumption of certain threatened species as delicacies, or using toiletries that incorporate microplastics as part of their ingredients.

Make it an issue

Another way to support World Oceans Day is to keep an eye out on trends and social issues that affect the community and to take a stand on supporting the oceans.

Becoming active on policies and laws that ensure the protection of the seas and oceans near your is one good way to show that concern, as well as to support groups and candidates that stand for positive ecological change.