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| OCEANS: LIFE AND LIVELIHOODS | | PROTECTION AND PRESERVATION | | Dr. Parveen Kumar | 6/8/2021 11:00:41 PM |
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PROTECTION AND PRESERVATION
Oceans take up
over 70 per cent of
Earth’s surface and over 90 per cent of our planet’s habitable surface. It is our life source, supporting humanity’s sustenance and that of every other organism on earth. The ocean produces at least 50% of the planet’s oxygen, it is home to most of earth’s biodiversity, and is the main source of protein for more than a billion people around the world. Not to mention, the ocean is key to our economy with an estimated 40 million people being employed by ocean-based industries by 2030. They also absorb about 30 per cent of carbon dioxide produced by humans, buffering the impacts of global warming. Even though all its benefits, the ocean is now in need of support. With 90% of big fish populations depleted, and 50% of coral reefs destroyed, we are taking more from the ocean than can be replenished. The ocean provides us all with vital resources to support life and livelihoods but if unsustainable fishing practices and deterioration of coastal and marine ecosystems continue, by 2050 there will be no usable fish stocks in the Asia Pacific region, according to a statement of World Bank. Historically, there are four named ocean basins: the Atlantic, Pacific, Indian, and Arctic. However, most countries including the United States now recognize the Southern (Antarctic) as the fifth ocean basin. To protect and preserve the ocean and all it sustains, we have to create a new balance, rooted in true understanding of the ocean and how humanity relates to it. We must have to build a connection to the ocean that is inclusive, innovative, and informed by lessons from the past. The idea of having a world Oceans Day can be traced back to 1992 when on June 8 at the Earth Summit of the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), Oceans Institute of Canada proposed the idea for an international day for oceans. The idea was proposed to celebrate the ocean and human’s connection to the sea. In 2008, the United Nations General Assembly passed the resolution which declared June 8 to be observed every year as World Oceans Day. Since then, World Oceans Day is observed annually on June 8 to make people aware of the negative impact of human activities such as garbage disposal, sewage, oil leaks from ships and drilling station accidents. With a pledge to preserve the oceans, and amid the corona virus pandemic, this year’s theme will focus on the life and livelihood that the ocean sustains. The theme this year for the World Ocean Day is ‘The Ocean: Life and Livelihoods’. Led by the United Nations, this year’s aim is to carry out sustainable efforts and work towards putting a stop on plastic pollution in oceans. It is the theme as well as the declaration of intentions that launches a decade of challenges to get the Sustainable Development Goal 14, ‘Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources’, by 2030. Our small efforts can make a huge difference. At the individual level, we all can take care of these water bodies by reducing our carbon footprints and by reducing our energy consumption. We can reduce the effects of climate change on the ocean by avoiding unnecessary travel on our vehicles thereby reducing the air pollution and harmful greenhouse gases which have a bearing on the temperature, Energy consumption can be reduced by fluorescent light bulbs, taking the stairs instead of lift and by supporting clean alternative energy solutions and innovations. Global fish populations are rapidly being depleted due to demand, loss of habitat, and unsustainable fishing practices. When shopping or dining out, help reduce the demand for overexploited species by choosing seafood that is both healthful and sustainable or we can just choose not to eat seafood. Plastics that end up as ocean debris contribute to habitat destruction and entangle and kill tens of thousands of marine animals each year. To limit the impact, we have to say a big ‘No’ to single use plastics. We can carry a reusable water bottle, store food in non disposable containers, bring our own cloth tote or other reusable bag when shopping, and recycle whenever possible. Avoid single use plastic like straws, bags and bottled water. Whether we enjoy diving, surfing, or relaxing on the beach, always clean up after leaving the beach. Explore and appreciate the ocean without interfering with wildlife or removing rocks and coral. We can go even further by encouraging others to respect the marine environment or by participating in local beach cleanups. Keep lights off at night on turtle nesting beaches and support sustainable development practices. We should also not purchase items that exploit marine life. Certain products contribute to the harming of fragile coral reefs and marine populations. Avoid purchasing items such as coral jewelry, tortoiseshell hair accessories (made from hawksbill turtles), and shark products. Squalene found in cosmetics is derived from sharks. Never flush cat litter, which can contain pathogens harmful to marine life. Avoid stocking aquarium with wild caught saltwater fish, and never release any aquarium fish into the ocean or other bodies of water, a practice that can introduce non-native species harmful to the existing ecosystem. Many institutes and organizations are fighting to protect ocean habitats and marine wildlife. We can also support such organizations in our area and help them financially or in other ways. Sign petitions to help these organizations promote ocean-friendly legislation and sustainable ocean policy. The students in the school can be asked to do an ocean presentation. We can support ocean artists and film makers by attending their shows and festivals. We should also
purchase products that reduce our impact on the planet and are manufactured from sustainable sources. Purchasing local produce and organic products is also a good option. We should also travel responsibly in and besides the ocean by practicing responsible boating, kayaking, and other recreational activities on the water. Never throw anything overboard and be aware of marine life in the waters around us. Whenever we get an opportunity to stay near the oceans or other water bodies, we should choose eco-friendly hotels and resorts wherever possible. As per the UN, World Oceans Day is celebrated every year with the objective to inform the public of the impact of human actions on these precious water bodies and to develop a worldwide movement of citizens for the oceans. This requires mobilizing the masses to the extent of creating a movement that requires immediate action. The day also demand uniting the world’s population on a project for the sustainable management of the world’s oceans. The author is a Scientist at KVK-Leh, SKUAST-K; can be reached at [email protected]
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