On the occasion of World Ocean Day, we are reminded of how we need to protect it by saving it from various polluting agents. Our planet is not as blue as it once was or as green as it could be. The oceans cover 70% of our planet and support 100% of life. The amount of plastic entering the ocean every year is 8 million metric tons on the top of an estimated 150 million metric tons that is currently in circulation in marine environments.
“Happy world ocean day!” But what is so happy about failing to protect the ecosystem? Habitat destruction has led to the loss of flora and fauna in and around the ocean. We should not be ‘happy’ unless we take small steps towards conserving the environment.
The first life form on this planet originated from water. Oceans have been the basis for our existence because all life has essentially come from the ocean!
Statistics say humans are responsible for 80% of all the pollution in the oceans. On the other hand, the UN says 3 billion people depend on marine and coastal resources.
Creatures that are dying every year include newborn fishes that mistake tiny bits of trash for food. Sea turtles die due to plastic ingestion, often mistaking floating plastic bags for jellyfish.
According to FAO, oceans act as the largest carbon sink, it hosts 80%of life on the earth and provides half of its oxygen.
Dr Harsh Vardhan, from the incumbent Ministry of Earth and Science says that globally we rely on our oceans for trade, food energy and other valuable resources. We should create awareness for the balanced use of marine resources and moves towards sustainable development.
Our oceans provide us with climate regulation, the air we breathe, shoreline protection, ocean energy, offshore wind power, trade and transportation, oil and gas, tourism and recreation, jobs and incomes.
Often, people including tourists and travellers are responsible for deteriorating marine life. Unsustainable fishing methods, and the unchecked development of coastal areas contributes to choking the ocean.
Environmental conservation policies and civic education must merge with governments, the private sector and international organisations to reduce marine debris. We need to recognize the situation is critical and strengthen our commitment.