Deep Blue Sea
Ocean facts and information explaining the impact we have on the marine environment and tips on how to help preserve this precious resource.
Water, water everywhere………
Seven tenths or 140 million sq miles of planet earth is covered in it, all life evolved from it and depends on it, man has tried for centuries to master it. It provides food, transportation, oxygen for us to breath and of course is the medium for the water sports we enjoy.
The oceans contain 97% of the earth’s water and over 90% of the earth’s biomass lives in and depends on the seas and oceans from the tiniest plankton to the mighty blue whales. They warm the land in winter and cool it in summer. They boast the tallest mountains and the deepest trenches.
As divers and surfers we enter the sea with a blend of exhilaration and fascination to dive into its depths and ride its waves. We know more than many what a wonderful yet fragile world it is.
It’s a strange fact that we know more about the surface of the moon than we do about our seas and oceans yet one thing we do know is that many species are declining so rapidly that they will be extinct within our lifetimes and we also know what’s causing this decline, us.
Did you know that every year:
- 85 million tonnes of fish are taken from the oceans
- 100 million sharks are butchered often just for their fins and thrown back into the sea to die
- 300,000 birds including 100,000 Albatrosses are killed by illegal long line fishing threatening all but 2 species with extinction
- 250,000 Turtles are caught in fishing lines
- Discarded plastic bags kill thousands of mammals, birds and fish who eat them mistaking them for food
- 6.4 million tonnes of rubbish is thrown into the oceans – it’s estimated that there is 6kg of rubbish for every 1kg of plankton
- Hundreds of Whales are still hunted and those that aren’t face injury or death through many threats including Naval Sonar testing
- Every year thousands of acres of reef are destroyed by pollution and waste.
And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. 1% of the world’s fishing fleets catch close to 60% of the world’s annual catch. Industrial fishing has depleted stock of tuna, cod, swordfish and marlin by as much as 90 percent. The UN estimates that £5bn worth of fish is caught illegally every year. Water temperatures are rising and becoming more acidic due to global warming causing coral reefs and marine life to die affecting the whole food chain.
Time is rapidly running out for our seas and oceans. Unless governments legislate and we as consumers start to think about our own environmental footprint we will loose forever the amazing source of all life on Earth.
So what can YOU do to help ?
- Recycle, recycle, recycle. An average household produces about one tonne of rubbish annually. Waste from product packaging makes up about a quarter of all the rubbish you put in your bin, most of which could be recycled. Just one tonne of recycled paper saves 17 trees, 25 plastic bottles makes one fleece jacket, one recycled glass bottle saves enough energy to power a 100 watt bulb for 4 hours. This results in us producing less greenhouse gasses which in turns helps protect the planet.
- Remember that ultimately what you put down the drain or toilet will eventually end up in the sea. Use non toxic, eco friendly products around the house, try it you’ll be surprised how good they are.
- Volunteer for beach cleanups. If you can’t find one why not spend an afternoon walking on your nearest beach and pick up any litter you find. You’ll be getting some fresh air whilst helping to protect the environment.
- When you go diving support reef-friendly businesses. Ask your dive shop what they are doing to protect the reefs and sea they operate in. Let them know you are an informed consumer and care about your impact on the environment.
- When you visiting a dive site, help keep it healthy by respecting all local guidelines, recommendations, regulations, and customs. If you’re unsure ask your dive guide.
- Support conservation organisations. There are plenty to choose from and your support will be very welcome. You’ll find a useful list on our links page.
- Don't pollute the water when diving. Take all rubbish back to shore and dispose of it properly. Don’t discard cigarette butts while at sea they are lethal to marine life – put them in a bottle with a little water.
- Be an informed consumer. Boycott take aways and restaurants that serve Sharks Fin Soup and tell them why. Buy only Dolphin friendly Tuna and fish from sustainable stocks.
- Use less water. The less water you use, the less runoff and wastewater that eventually finds its way back into our seas and oceans.
- When you dive don't touch anything underwater! Take only pictures and leave only bubbles! Keep your fins, dive gear, and hands away from the coral. Stay off the bottom - stirred-up sediment can settle on coral and smother it.
- Say no to marine souvenirs such as shells or coral. If you buy it they will take another to replace their stock.
- Cut down on your energy usage by walking instead of driving, using energy efficient light bulbs, boiling only the water you need for to make your drink and reusing carrier bags.
It’s your planet and your children’s planet. You CAN make a difference you just need to start…