We all know the importance of the oceans in our lives and ecosystem. When we endanger the ocean, we are automatically jeopardizing our future, our lives and the health of our planet. You can make a difference, we can all make a difference!
Did you know that 50 to 70 % of our oxygen comes from the ocean? That’s more than all of the world’s rainforests combined. The ocean regulates our climate, absorbs carbon dioxide, holds 97% of Earth’s water, and supports the greatest abundance of life on our planet. More than 60% of the world’s population lives on or near the coast. The ocean provides a livelihood, recreation, beauty, wonder, and untapped scientific discovery, leading to new medications, foods, and advanced technologies.
But the ocean is in trouble: 90% of the big fish are gone. Tuna, swordfish, halibut, cod, and flounder populations have been devastated by overfishing and discarded plastics have formed a toxic “plastic soup” that is gathering in 5 massive ocean gyres around the world. As the plastic breaks down, it is eaten by sea animals, causing illness and death. It eventually enters our diets, too.
What happens if we do nothing? Many popular seafood species will likely be wiped out within 40 years with current fishing practices and unless we change our rate of consumption, we’re within a century — possibly even less — of a world where jellyfish are the only wild seafood option left!