Top 15 Solutions To The Problems Facing Our Oceans:

Save Money, reduce plastic use; reusable water bottles and cloth shopping bags. Keep plastic away from all waterways: rivers and streams flow to lakes and oceans. Plastics cause a slow painful death for marine life and birds. National Geographic reports that 8 million tons of plastics enter our oceans every year. Did you know NO government department checks or controls the bottled water industry, do you really know what is in that plastic bottle? Put tap water in the fridge over night for a tasty safe healthy beverage if you do not like the taste of fluoride or natural minerals. Say NO to bottled water and here is why: http://storyofstuff.org/movies/story-of-bottled-wa...

Clean the Creek is a Canadian app and website where you can post shoreline cleanups needed and shoreline cleanups needed: http://cleanthecreek.com

National Geographic on plastic bottles in our oceans;

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/2017/07/ocean-plastic-patch-south-pacific-spd/

Other Video and article:

http://www.vancouversun.com/technology/Human+disca...

Did you know, raw sewage is still being dumped into our oceans by some cities and cruise lines which dump 1 billion gallons into our oceans every year, because we let them. Check the Friends of the Earth cruise line report card before you book your next cruise, then you can truly enjoy your vacation knowing you are making a difference.

http://libcloud.s3.amazonaws.com/93/ac/7/4988/Crui...

Cigarette Butts kill fish and diminish water quality:

Cigarette butts are not biodegradable:

Are you aware of the long term damage a single cigarette butt can do?

San Diego State University completed a study regarding the long term negative effects of cigarette butts: “The study revealed that a single cigarette butt soaked in a liter of water for one day resulted in vastly diminished water quality and the death of 50 percent of the fish therein.”

http://naturalsociety.com/cigarette-butt-water-kil...

Thank you to Simon Ricard of Montreal QC for sending us this information.

Sticking To What We Do Know - Conservation

Of course, good old fashioned conservation efforts will also help us out. Though, looking at the big picture and the extent of the effort required, it might take a lot of gumption to stay optimistic. But optimistic we should be! It's true that conservation efforts are lagging , but that doesn't mean they're non-existent. Records are even being set for how much marine area is being conserved. It's all just a head nod if we don't implement and enforce the regulations we create, and get even more creative with them . But when we look at what can happen for our oceans when conservation efforts are taken to the max , it's well worth the energy.

Geoengineering Our Oceans: What We Do and Don't Know About New Technologies

Now for that light at the end of the tunnel, though some may call it a very dim light. the issue of geoengineering , considering the interest we've seen with dumping limestone in the water to balance out the pH levels of the ocean and counter the effects of all that CO2 we pump into the air. Recently we watched as iron filings were dumped into the ocean to see if that'd help suck up some CO2. It didn't. Or rather, it didn't do what we expected it to do . This is a really controversial area, mainly because we don't know what we don't know. Though that doesn't stop many scientists from saying we have to give it a try . Research has helped to lay out what some of the risks are in terms of consequences, and in terms of what's just a plain old dumb idea. There are quite a few ideas floating around that claim will save us from ourselves - from ocean iron fertilization to fertilizing trees with nitrogen, from biochar to carbon sinks. But while these ideas hold a seed of promise, they also each hold a sizable nugget of controversy that may or may not keep them from coming seeing the light of day.

Eleven More Things You Can Do To Help Save Our Oceans

1.Mind Your Carbon Footprint and Reduce Energy Consumption
Reduce the effects of climate change on the ocean by leaving the car at home when you can and being conscious of your energy use at home and work. A few things you can do to get started today: Switch to compact fluorescent light bulbs, take the stairs, and bundle up or use a fan to avoid oversetting your thermostat.

2. Make Safe, Sustainable Seafood Choices
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 over exploited species by choosing seafood that is both healthful and sustainable. Please see the Sustainable Seafood Choices page under Education Resources.

3. Use Fewer Plastic Products
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 your impact, carry a reusable water bottle, store food in nondisposable containers, bring your own cloth tote or other reusable bag when shopping, and recycle whenever possible. In 2015 National Geographic advises that each year 8 million tons of plastic enter our oceans.

http://voices.nationalgeographic.com/2015/03/13/ou...

4. Help Take Care of the Beach
Whether you enjoy diving, surfing, or relaxing on the beach, always clean up after yourself. Explore and appreciate the ocean without interfering with wildlife or removing rocks and coral. Go even further by encouraging others to respect the marine environment or by participating in local beach cleanups. If you do not live close to the ocean, make sure you transfer this ethic to protect and cleanup lakeshore, rivers and creeks – all of which can have the same positive impact on our Oceans Health!

5. Don't Purchase Items Which 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.

6. Be an Ocean-Friendly Pet Owner
Read pet food labels and consider seafood sustainability when choosing a diet for your pet. Never flush cat litter, which can contain pathogens harmful to marine life. Avoid stocking your 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.

7. Support Organizations Working to Protect the Ocean
Many institutes and organizations are fighting to protect ocean habitats and marine wildlife. Find a national organization and consider giving financial support or volunteering for hands-on work or advocacy. If you live near the coast, join up with a local branch or group and get involved in projects close to home.

8. Influence Change in Your Community
Research the ocean policies of public officials before you vote or contact your local representatives to let them know you support marine conservation projects. Consider patronizing restaurants and grocery stores that offer only sustainable seafood, and speak up about your concerns if you spot a threatened species on the menu or at the seafood counter.

9. Travel Waterways & Oceans Responsibly
Practice responsible boating, kayaking, and other recreational activities on the water. Do not use styrofoam bumpers on boats or docks as it breaks down quickly and hurts marine life & birds. Never throw anything overboard, and be aware of marine life in the waters around you. Sanitize your boat inside and out before moving it into new waters; invasive mussel species like zebra & quagga mussels are destroying some waterways.  If you are set on taking a cruise for your next vacation, do some research to find the most eco-friendly option. Friends of the Earth has issued a Report Card on Cruise Lines. 

http://libcloud.s3.amazonaws.com/93/ac/7/4988/Crui...

10. Educate Yourself About Oceans and Marine Life
All life on Earth is connected to the ocean and its inhabitants. The more you learn about the issues facing this vital system, the more you’ll want to help ensure its health—then share that knowledge to educate and inspire others.

11. Tell Friends And Family Members the above!!