Words by Tess Becker
The ocean is in danger. In Florida, we recently saw record highs for ocean water temperatures in Manatee Bay. Those types of temperatures make the water nearly uninhabitable for a lot of the organisms that make up the ocean ecosystem.
National Marine Week was organized to raise awareness of the issues facing our ocean. The goal is to motivate people to better understand and care for the ocean. The awareness week encourages us to appreciate and protect our oceans.
So with that in mind here are a few stories of people working hard to protect the ocean.
At the United Nations Climate Change Conference, or COP27, held last November in Egypt, ocean protection was one of the largest issues. There was a focus on ocean acidification and how climate change is going to affect our waters putting international eyes on a growing issue.
On March 4, 2023, after years of talks and delays, international governments were able to secure a Global Ocean Treaty. After decades of talks, it was a huge moment for conservation and a hopeful sign that in a divided world, protecting nature for the benefit of all people can triumph over geopolitics.
After discovering the sheer depth of kelp forests underwater scientists have found a potential tool in the global fight against climate change. Seaweed forests can act as a vital buffer against the climate crisis, absorbing carbon dioxide from seawater and the atmosphere. Ocean forests may store as much carbon as the Amazon rainforest, according to one study.
Southeast Asia is one of the regions most vulnerable to the climate emergency, with Thailand and Indonesia in the top 10 most affected countries and the health of marine and coastal ecosystems is in serious decline. To fight this, researchers are studying the types of environments that coral can live and thrive in.
“We are captivated by the beauty and diversity of corals and the ecosystems they support,” Dr Mathinee Yucharoen said. “We have a strong desire to learn more about reefs and we are deeply concerned about the threats facing these fragile habitats. We feel a sense of responsibility to protect them for future generations.”
Conflict is a major cause of environmental damage, damaging sensitive habitats and causing pollution. Finding ways to reunite communities can cut down on damage and pollution while bringing people together for a single cause to protect ocean ecosystems.
Something like Oceans Futures hopes to stop conflict before it even starts.
There are a whole host of other initiatives and movements to protect the ocean so make sure to dig a little deeper, avoid disposable plastics, appreciate what we have and protect it before we lose it.
Happy National Marine Week!
