KEEPING OUR OCEANS CLEAN: HOW YOU CAN HELP
James McMullin Mar 12, 2019
As we reflect on our New Year's resolutions, it's common to acknowledge areas where we've excelled and others where we might have fallen short. Personally, while I've made strides in improving my eating habits, achieving the six-pack my wife envisions remains a work in progress. However, one commitment I hold steadfast is my dedication to protecting our underwater world.
The onset of a new year serves as a poignant reminder for scuba divers to renew our commitment to ocean conservation. Divers constitute a mere 1% of the global population, yet we play a pivotal role in safeguarding our oceans from human-induced threats. It's essential to recognize that protecting the ocean is a collective responsibility, extending beyond divers to encompass everyone.
Ways to Contribute to Ocean Conservation:
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Get Involved: Participate in events such as beach and ocean cleanups, advocate for environmental policies, and support legislation aimed at protecting marine ecosystems.
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Educate and Raise Awareness: Engage in conversations about ocean conservation, utilize social media platforms to spread awareness, and consider enrolling in conservation-focused courses like the PADI AWARE Specialty Course. PADI Store
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Adopt Eco-Friendly Practices: Use environmentally friendly products in your daily life, be mindful of chemical usage that can harm marine life, and ensure proper disposal of waste to prevent pollution.
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Respect Marine Life: Avoid touching corals or removing marine organisms from their habitats, refrain from feeding wild marine animals, and choose not to purchase products that exploit marine life, such as certain corals or seashells.
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Support Conservation Organizations: Align with organizations like Project AWARE, which focuses on marine debris removal, shark and ray protection, and the expansion of marine protected areas.
At Signature Scuba, we are committed to leading by example in conservation efforts. Our team actively participates in initiatives like Dive Against Debris, contributing to the removal of marine debris and the collection of valuable data to inform conservation strategies.
Remember, the health of our oceans affects us all. By embracing these practices and supporting organizations dedicated to marine conservation, we can collectively work towards a healthier, more sustainable ocean for future generations.
About the Author:
James McMullin is the founder and owner of Signature Scuba, the Inland Empire's #1 Scuba Shop! He enjoy technical diving to include rebreathers and is an avid ocean conservationist!
