World Oceans Day is
observed every year on June 8 to promote ocean conservation and to increase
public awareness of the ocean's importance. The ocean spans more than 70% of
Earth's surface and is critical to the existence of all life.
The oceans produce over 50% of the planet's oxygen and are critical for
trade, tourism, and transport. It also supplies us with food, renewable energy,
and medicines. Despite being aware of the crucial importance of the oceans,
humans continue to exploit and pollute them at an alarming rate. The purpose of
World Oceans Day is to put an end to the senseless overuse and exploitation of
the ocean, as well as to develop long-term sustainable solutions for its
preservation.
History
World Oceans Day was initially proposed by Canada's International Centre
for Ocean Development and Ocean Institute of Canada during the 1992 Earth
Summit in Rio de Janeiro.
Nevertheless, it wasn't until 2008 that the UN officially recognized June
8 as World Ocean Day, thanks to the efforts of the World Ocean Network and The
Ocean Project, who started petitions asking the UN to follow suit.
Importance
World Ocean Day seeks to spread awareness of the essential role that
oceans play in sustaining life on Earth. Climate change, pollution, ocean
acidification, overfishing, and destruction of habitat must all be addressed,
making ocean conservation a global concern. People all throughout the world
need to come together to support efforts to safeguard the oceans, which are the
planet's lifeblood.
Facts you need to know about
ocean pollution
- 12 million tonnes of plastic finds its way into the
ocean every single year.
- Agricultural runoff and untreated sewage – account for
approximately 80% of the rubbish in our oceans.
- 20% of marine pollution comes from ocean-based activities
like shipping, Offshore drilling, fishing etc
- More than 171 trillion pieces of plastic are now
floating in our oceans
- Plastic pollution kills 100,000 marine mammals every year
- Mining corporations dump 220 million tons of hazardous
waste straight into oceans, rivers, and lakes annually.
- Plastic waste makes up 80% of all marine pollution
- Microplastics have been found in more than 100 aquatic
species, many of which are caught for human consumption.
- Microplastics have been discovered in over 100 aquatic
species, many of which are harvested for human consumption.
Ways to save the Ocean
Avoid single-use plastic
Avoiding plastics is the most crucial step toward ocean conservation
because plastics are responsible for the majority of ocean pollution. Instead,
use reusable bags and containers.
Recycle Plastics Properly
Taking steps to ensure plastic is recycled correctly is the most important
course of action if you can't avoid using plastics.
Participate in beach clean-ups
It is particularly vital to participate in clean-ups on beaches since
these are the places that are very near to the ocean and where trash
accumulates.
Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
Switch to greener energy sources and limit your use of fossil fuels. Try
to commute via an electric bike, scooter, or public transport.
Support organizations that protect
the ocean
Volunteering and raising awareness about the need for ocean conservation
is critical. There are organizations that are committed to preserving the ocean
and aquatic life, such as The Ocean Conservancy, Marine Megafauna Foundation,
and Save the Turtles.
Marine Animals under the threat
from ocean pollution
Marine life has suffered greatly as a result of pollution and overfishing.
There are several issues affecting aquatic life, such as ruined aquatic
habitats and massive overhunting of whole species. Here are some marine life
that are endangered because of ocean pollution.
Laysan albatrosses
Birds ingesting plastic in the water have long been an issue, but for
Laysan albatrosses, the situation is even more serious. A research found that
97% of Laysan albatrosses chicks consume large amounts of plastic, resulting in
stomach scarring, lead poisoning, and other medical conditions. For the usually
starved birds, the floating plastic coated in algae becomes an alluring snack.
Hawksbill Turtles
Hawksbill Turtles are a critically endangered turtle species found across
the world's seas. However, throughout the previous two centuries, millions of
the species have died as a result of illicit fishing and habitat destruction,
leaving a global population of around 20,000-23,000. The increase in water
pollution in the ocean has damaged coral reefs that offer crucial nesting
sites, pushing the species to the edge of extinction.
Yangtze Finless Porpoise
The Yangtze River, which flows through China, is the third-longest in the
world and the longest in Eurasia. It accounts for over 20% of China's GDP and
is the country's main waterway. However, as China increasingly industrialized,
its pollution and waste disposal rendered it one of the world's most polluted
rivers, destroying numerous marine ecosystems. The Yangtze Finless Porpoise
population has declined quickly, from 2500 in 1991 to only 1040 in 2017. The
dumping of heavy industrial trash and plastic pollution is the primary cause of
this precipitous fall.
Harlequin Frog
Atelopus, sometimes known as the harlequin frog, is a genus of frogs, with
the majority of its species highly endangered and 40% extinct. They can thrive
in freshwater and coastal areas, but when river streams become contaminated
with industrial waste and other pollutants, they lose their habitat and
struggle to survive. They have also been the victims of widespread fungal
infections, which have further reduced their populations.
Hawaiian Monk Seal
The Hawaiian Monk Seal is one of the world's oldest seal species, with a
significant population located on the island of Hawaii. It is an endangered
species, with just around 1,500 remaining in the globe. Human encroachment,
illegal hunting, and pollution have all contributed to the decline in species
numbers. Marine debris and the abundance of plastic on Hawaii's coastlines have
destroyed their natural habitats, and they have developed a habit of consuming
them, resulting in health concerns. Entanglement in fishing nets has also
resulted in an enormous decline in their numbers.
