Did you know the ocean covers 70% of the planet and supports all life in vital ways? Currently, our oceans’ are declining in health due to various factors such as overfishing, climate change and more. In support of World Oceans Day, falling on 8th June, 2022, we’re covering off some useful and simple tips for you to implement into your lifestyle, for being near or far from the ocean that can have profound and positive impacts on our oceans.
Buying and consuming sustainable fish
Sourcing sustainable seafood is beneficial to the well-being of our oceans along with having positive impacts on fishery dependent communities.
You’ll know if you’re buying sustainable seafood by labels on pre-packaged items, labels on in-store displays or by asking your local fishmonger or supermarket where you buy your seafood. ‘Wild’ caught or ‘farmed’ seafood are general terms used to describe a sustainable product.
Some of the more sustainable seafood products are:
Wild Caught
- Australian Salmon
- Australian Sardine
- Blue Swimmer Crab
- Octopus
- Snapper
- Western King Prawn
- Rock Flathead
Farmed
- Barramundi
- Blue Mussel
- Jade Perch
- King Salmon
- Murray Cod
- Oysters
- Prawns
Ocean/coral friendly sunscreen
Tons of sunscreens wash into our oceans every year that have detrimental effects on reefs, in particular, with harmful chemicals absorbing into corals causing irreversible damage such as coral bleaching.
Sunscreens labeled ‘reef safe’ aren’t necessarily harmless due to no scientific research stating that they aren’t, however, there are some chemicals that have been found to not be harmful to corals. These are titanium oxide or zinc oxide.
When looking for your next coral friendly sunscreen, look for ones with the below information on their labels:
- Titanium oxide or zinc oxide (labelled as non-nano)
- Water resistant – more likely to stay on your skin and not wash off
- Non-toxic, paraben free, organic
Leave nothing behind
There are trillions of pieces of waste in our oceans, having terrible effects on the quality of our oceans and the life that inhabits them. Next time you’re by the ocean and spending time there, remember to take all of your belongings and waste with you. Even bringing a small bag with you as you walk along the beach to pick up any rubbish, creates a big, positive impact on the ocean and its environment.
Get involved by volunteering or donating
Lastly, a great way to support our oceans is by volunteering for or donating to charities and organisations in your local area that are working to support the oceans. This could be by volunteering for a clean up day at your local beach, or donating to an organisation who support marine wildlife.
