Happy World Ocean Day, June 8

Oceans are vital for the worlds survival. They hold 97% of the planets water. They produce more than half of the oxygen in the atmosphere and absorb most carbon from it. Only 2.8% of the world ocean is protected, and much less than 1% is in marine reserves. 

Big world, little squid...

We impact the oceans in a crazy number of ways. We take food, minerals, sand and more in huge quantities while pouring in waste and toxins.

There is a huge amount of progress to be made in marine protection. 

Obviously I am a big supporter of the ocean, I live and work in it every day. I can't imagine a world without any life in the water, or no colour. I don't even want to. 

Pillar Coral, Jamaica

I've never really understood why so many things are allowed such as oil rigging, over fishing, shark finning, whale hunting, exposion based fishing, the list can go on and on. There is no one person or one body of people controlling what happens to our greatest gift, which is why we need to look after it ourselves! 

Curious porcupine fish

What can we do to help?

• Don't use sunscreen containing Oxybenzone, switch to Zinc Oxide based
• Make sustainable seafood choices....did you know Grouper start to reproduce after about 20 yrs!
  
• Minimise use of plastics ie. plastic bags, drinking bottles, take out containers
• Don't purchase items or support things that exploit marine life (biggest pet peeve in Mexico is the number of places you can swim with Dolphins)
• Support organisations who are working to protect the ocean
• Spread the word!! 

For more information you can visit National Geographic, IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) or the Protect Planet Ocean initiative (www.protectplanetocean.org).