Have you ever looked out at the ocean and wondered what was below the surface? Maybe you’ve seen some of the wonderful and amazing creatures that call the ocean their home. But did you know that many of the species in the ocean are struggling to survive?
Maybe you’re reading this and asking how that affects me, or even how I can help. These are some frequently asked questions that run through people’s minds daily. In this post i’m gonna tell you some interesting and some heartbreaking facts about these beloved marine animals, and tell you how you, a normal person can help these marine animals thrive.
Some Marine Life Facts
First I want to share some interesting facts about some marine animals and some of the effects these animals have on our environment.
- Did you know that the ocean produces more than half of the oxygen we breathe? Tiny plants called phytoplankton are responsible for this. They’re like the forests of the sea!
- “It’s important to remember that although the ocean produces at least 50% of the oxygen on Earth, roughly the same amount is consumed by marine life. Like animals on land, marine animals use oxygen to breathe, and both plants and animals use oxygen for cellular respiration.” (National ocean service)
- The ocean helps regulate our climate by absorbing carbon dioxide. When the ocean is healthy, it can do this job better.
- Many people around the world rely on the ocean for food. Healthy fish populations mean healthy communities.
- Sharks help keep fish populations in check. They eat sick or weak fish, which keeps the ecosystem balanced.
- According to (Marine conservation society) “Jellyfish are an essential part of many food chains. By feeding on smaller creatures such as fish larvae and eggs, jellyfish help to control species’ populations and maintain the balance of the ocean’s ecosystem.”
After learning these facts it should be clear to you now why it is important to help save these marine animals. Helping the ocean in general is a great idea and a great way to help the planet. But helping the marine animals that live in the ocean is just as important. These marine animals help the ecosystem under the sea maintain and help it flourish. All marine animals play a role in the mission of maintaining a healthy ocean. For example according to (Marine conservation society) jellyfish eat smaller and sometimes dangerous animals this helps limit the population in the ocean itself. This is just one example of how marine animals help the ecosystem of the ocean survive. In order to maintain this part of the ecosystem we must continue to be aware of where we are fishing and avoid high jellyfish zones. Well also continuing to avoid dumping trash and pollution in the oceans.
1) Spot And Report Marine Animal behavior
You might have been walking along the beach or even just seen an animal that seems to be just resting or even you’ve seen an injured animals. What do you do? Surprisingly if you ask most people they’ll say they’d just go on with their day. Instead of this you should report this to your local marine animal rescue organization. Many have websites or apps that make reporting easy.
You can also report sightings of healthy animals! This helps scientists track populations and understand where different species live.
2) Clean Up Your Act
- Plastic is a big problem for marine animals. They can mistake it for food or get tangled in it. When you’re at the beach, pick up any trash you see. Even if you’re not near the ocean, remember that trash can travel through rivers and streams and end up in the sea.
- Reduce your use of single use plastics.
- Remember to always recycle and try to minimize the use of plastic bags, straws, caps, and other harmful plastics
- Another great way to help marine animals is to participate in beach clean ups. All around the country marine animal saftey organizations have beach and ocean clean ups where you can actually volunteer to help in this effort. Its a great way to give back and help these marine animals.
3) Become A Data Collector
Many organizations have apps where you can log data. You can log information about water quality, or animal sightings. This data helps scientists understand what is happening in the ocean.
To actually participate in this apps some include the Whale & Dolphin Tracker, OCEARCH Shark Tracker, SeaScribe, and MERMAID Collect, allowing users to record sightings, behaviors, and environmental conditions, contributing to citizen science efforts. These apps can help make a huge difference in the long run.
You can help save the lives of many marine animals by participating in these apps and trails, also you will be helping scientists to create safer and better ways to efficiently look after and take care of marine animals.
Spread The Word
Share what you’ve learned with your friends and family. The more people who care, the bigger the impact we can have.
Posting on social media can also be an effective way to spread the word about the troubles these animals are having. This can be a key in spreading awareness for this growing issue that also effects the way we as humans live.
One more great way of spreading the word is talking to your local newspaper or radio show about these issue concerning marine animals.
In Conclusion
You have the power to make a difference. By becoming a citizen scientist, you can help protect marine animals and their habitats. By following the guide in this article you yourself can help preserve the marine animals that help maintain and help the ocean flourish. By following these steps and basic guidelines for marine animal safety and wellbeing you’re also helping humans out outside of the ocean. It takes all of us to make a difference, with these four steps i’ve provided you too can make a difference today!
Written By: Mark Matott
