The Health of the Ocean is at Stake

by Nicole Dallara

The world’s oceans provide 70 percent of the world’s oxygen via phytoplankton, tiny organisms found at the water’s surface, according to National Geographic. The health of the ocean directly affects us, and the ocean is officially under the weather. A warming planet leads to a warming ocean, which leads to coral bleaching. The ocean has already lost around 40 percent of its coral reefs, which are vitally important for the ocean ecosystem, supporting a quarter of all marine life. Loss of coral reefs affects the food chain and also the food supply for many nations that depend upon the fishing industry.

Researchers have also found that the ocean is absorbing 93 percent of all additional heat energy trapped by the greenhouse gas emissions, which accelerates the warming of the waters, as well as ocean acidification. As more carbon dioxide is sent into the atmosphere, the ocean is becoming more acidic through the formation of carbonic acid, thus threatening creatures such as shellfish. The shells of tiny snails are actually dissolving because of the amount of acid in the water.

We can and must be a part of the solution, as our everyday actions greatly impact our planet and the ocean. From the food we eat to the amount we drive, it is important to share information about solutions with family, friends, co-workers and on social media. If we are already using reusable water bottles, bags and utensils, take it to the next level—drive less, eat less meat, get involved in the local community and with politics.

When Mother Nature is sick, it is our duty to nurse her back to health. As Cindy Zipf, executive director of Clean Ocean Action, says, “What’s not to love about the ocean? It’s resilient. If you give the ocean a chance to heal, it can come back. That’s a powerful message for all of us.’’

Nicole Dallara is the communications and outreach coordinator for Clean Ocean Action, based in Highlands, NJ. For more information, visit CleanOceanAction.org.