An array of achievable solutions.
Saving the ocean is a big task, which is going to take all of us, but remember there are so many things one can do to help. First and foremost: Join an organisation - our actions are stronger together. Secondly: Educate yourself and others - spread the word that the oceans are in a dire state and we need to do something about it!
See our list of organisations here to add your voice to the call for ocean conservation and planetary preservation.
Combat Climate Change
Reduce your carbon footprint: Drive less, fly less; walk and bike more, use public transport and bike more. Source your electricity from renewables.*
Offset the carbon emissions you are still responsible for. with reputable companies .**
Buy less: Say no to fast fashion; buy clothes that last, wear and repair them, or buy second hand.
Fight Harmful Fishing
Eat less fish and always choose to buy certified sustainable seafood - look for MSC label.***
Support ‘no take’ zones (marine reserves and protected areas) which provide marine life with a reprieve from fishing pressure.
Push for ‘ocean observers’ on all fishing vessels to better monitor and regulate fishing practices.
Keep Out Chemical Pollution
Inform yourself , so that you can avoid industrial farming and eat organic. Industrial farming which relies on fertilisation is renowned for its excess nutrient runoff polluting waterways and the sea.
Advocate for better waste management regulations and enforcement.
Reduce Plastic Pollution
Refuse, reduce, reuse, recycle.
Be a conscious consumer. Avoid unnecessary items and items of convenience. Recognise that single-use bags and straw bans are an important first step, but must be part of a much more fundamental shift away from single-use, disposable items across our economy.
Always leave the beach cleaner than you found it.
Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.
- Margaret Mead
*For a more detailed look into climate change solutions check out this Exponential Climate Action Roadmap, put together at the Global Climate Action Summit. You can also see Project Drawdown’s list of the 100 most substantive, existing solutions to address climate change.
** Carbon offsetting options: Enviro-mark website https://www.enviro-mark.com/what-we-offer/carbon-management#carbon-credits, Ekos website https://www.ekos.nz. Options to directly fund carbon capture such as permanent forests and landfill gases recovery; or to invest in carbon emissions reductions technology such as renewable energy (wind, solar), biomass energy, and clean gas cookers
*** We recognise that the Marine Stewardship Council’s certification is not flawless, but we do consider it the best.