EnglishLife likely began in the oceans, which cover 71% of the Earth’s surface.
These majestic water bodies contribute heavily to climate regulation. They produce roughly half of the oxygen we breathe and absorb a quarter of the carbon dioxide emissions generated by human activity. Most importantly, they’re teeming with an abundance of life.
With more than 80% of the ocean yet to be explored, we don’t have a correct estimate of its impact.
What we do know, however, is that oceans are facing several threats.
From plastic and chemical pollution to overfishing and mining in the deep sea, humans are putting marine life at risk.
To help reduce the risk of endangerment and extinction, our experts have outlined research-backed insights on five ways to protect marine life.
5 Ways to Protect Marine Life this Summer
Here are some tried-and-true ways to save the sea animals:
Conserve Water
Water on Earth is connected in an endless loop. The water we use in bustling cities eventually reaches mammals like whales and dolphins.
When domestic wastewater enters the ocean, it can carry hazardous chemicals that are dangerous to marine life. Untreated sewage from commercial establishments and agricultural activities can make matters worse by degrading critical habitats and producing algal blooms.
It can also lead to water-borne diseases, affecting human health.
That’s why it’s vital to take actionable steps to minimize the volume of wastewater that enters a treatment system. These efforts can include:
- Catching rainwater in barrels and using it to water your plants.
- Cutting back on the length of your showers.
- Installing low-flow water dispensing systems.
- Turning off the faucet while brushing your teeth.
Also, make sure to wash full loads of laundry and dishes.
Fish Responsibly
Many marine animals end up on fishing lines as unintentional bycatch.
According to ‘What’s In The Net,’ the statistics are staggering. More than 1.1 million tonnes of sharks and rays, 720,000 seabirds, 345,000 sea lions and seals, 300,000 whales and dolphins, and 250,000 turtles are killed annually.
Avoid contributing to the death toll of these endangered, threatened, and protected (ETP) species with catch-and-release fishing. This recreational method calls for releasing the fish one has caught back into the waters.
Survival rates are generally high, made possible with the use of:
- A strong tackle to avoid excessive fish fighting.
- Circle hooks that are less harmful to fish.
- Knotless mesh that does not cause damage to the fish’s eyes and gills.
- A dehooker to get the fish off the line without touching them.
Keep the air exposure to a minimum. Aim for no more than 10 s to avoid acute hypoxia, which may cause a cascade of physical and physiological disturbances. If the fish shows signs of barotrauma, release it in deep waters. Hold it facing toward the current until it regains the strength to swim.
Get Involved with Marine Conservation Organizations
Our oceans are dying. There’s no going around it.
The size of dead zones has quadrupled since the 1950s. The reduced level of oxygen in the water causes changes in migratory behavior and reproductive impairments that inevitably lead to mass mortality of marine life.
Fortunately, recovery is possible.
Get involved with a fantastic organization dedicated to building more resilient ecosystems, like Paso Pacifico. Your donation, whether time or money, will help this IUCN member amplify its cutting-edge conservation efforts, helping combat climate change and save wildlife.
Reduce Plastic Use
Plastic pollution can pose a significant hazard to marine life.
Research shows it has impacted a staggering 267 marine species, including 86% of all sea turtle species and 43% of all marine mammal species. With 33 billion pounds of plastic entering the waters yearly, this statistic will only increase.
Sea animals can get tangled in the debris, which can lead to suffering, starvation, or suffocation. Some species, like the loggerhead turtle, also eat plastic bags mistaken for jellyfish.
It is more important than ever to keep plastic out of the marine environment. Plastic waste goes up by 40% in the summer, so you must start by being mindful of the equipment and tools you use for outdoor activities.
You should also aim to reduce everyday consumption by:
- Avoiding single-use plastics.
- Using a reusable cloth bag for shopping.
- Giving up chewing gum (it contains plastic!!).
- Carrying a reusable water bottle wherever you go.
You should also consider recycling your plastic waste for good effect.
Shrink Your Carbon Footprint
Carbon emissions can cause ocean acidification. It affects the structural integrity of corals, oysters, and other animals that use calcium to build body structures. It can disrupt food chains and cause the U.S. shellfish industry to lose more than $400 million annually by 2100.
Research on foraminifera—a type of single-celled organism—has shed light on the impact. It showed that acidic conditions dramatically hinder their ability to make shells. Though very small, they are a key link in marine food chains. As such, this can affect their ability to perform crucial tasks: be a source of food for larger animals and draw carbon from the atmosphere.
Reducing carbon emissions will positively impact ocean-based climate change. Here are some ways to achieve that:
- Choose recycled products.
- Use energy-efficient products.
- Use public transport whenever possible.
- Eat a diet of fruit and veggies and consume less meat.
You should also turn off lights and electronics when not in use.
What to do When You Encounter an Endangered Aquatic Animal: A Quick Guide
Faced with an endangered marine animal? Here’s what you need to do:
Look, Don’t Touch (or Get Close)
Spotting marine life is fascinating—a one-of-a-kind experience.
However, if you see a whale surfacing to breathe or a dolphin putting on a display, enjoy the view from a safe distance. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration recommends staying at least:
- 200 yards away from killer whales
- 100 yards away from humpback whales
- 50 yards away from dolphins, porpoises, seals, sea lions, and turtles
You must also maintain a distance of at least 500 yards from North Atlantic right whales. They’re critically endangered, with fewer than 340 surviving today. This due diligence is essential, as getting too close could separate the mothers and calves. You may also endanger their lives by chasing them through slow zones, which may seriously injure or kill the animal.
Always operate at no-wake speed to ensure safer passage.
When at the beach, look out for turtle nesting sites. If you see an area marked, proceed with caution. Don’t run, dig holes in the sand, or touch the eggs. Six of the seven turtle species in existence are threatened or endangered and are protected under federal and international law.
Get in Touch with Authorized Responders
If you encounter a Green Turtle, a Hawksbill Turtle, a loggerhead, or other endangered sea animal in distress, do not approach. It may cause unnecessary stress to the animal, causing it to behave unpredictably.
Instead of intervening, reach out to a trained and authorized responder.
Provide detailed information about your location and the characteristics of the stranded or injured animal. Until they arrive at the scene, keep a watchful eye on the surrounding crowd, ensuring nobody gets too close.
Help Us Save the Marine Life:
These five ways to protect marine life are easy to integrate into your everyday life and will do wonders for protecting the living organisms that call it home. You can take your efforts on the world stage, providing help in regions where it’s needed the most, by contributing to our July Fundraiser.