D.
Reduce Carbon Emissions
According to NOAA, carbon emissions lead to ocean acidification which harms some types of marine life. Reduce
your carbon footprint by:
Carpooling, walking, or riding a bike and using high-efficiency appliances
Carrying a reusable shopping bag instead of plastic bags
Storing food in reusable containers instead of those you throw away
Avoiding products that come with excess packaging
Not littering
Reducing, reusing, and recycling
E.
Protect Beaches and Marine Life
These steps can help keep coastal areas clean and friendly to marine life:
Cut apart each plastic ring of a six-pack holder to prevent marine life and other wildlife from becoming
trapped and strangled.
Eat local sustainable seafood and avoid imported seafood.
Don't buy jewelry or other items made from coral, tortoise shells, or other marine life.
Volunteer to clean-up an area of beach if you live nearby.
Visit the beach; tourism improves coastal communities.
Lobby your politicians on environmental issues.
Donate to an organization that protects the ocean.
F.
Organizations That Protect the Oceans
Another way to get involved is to donate your time or money to an organization that protects the ocean. There
are many organizations dedicated to preventing ocean pollution and cleaning up pollution that has already
occurred. Don't just watch television and tear-up over images of oil-slicked birds and trash-covered beaches. Get
involved, learn more about pollution solutions, and consider donating your money and your time.
G.
Blue Ocean Society
The Blue Ocean Society's mission is to protect marine life in the Gulf of Maine, in particular the Humpback and
minke whales. The organization educates communities about how human lifestyle choices impact marine life. It
also maintains a hale database and sponsors beach clean-ups, underwater lobster trap clean-ups, school
programs, and whale watches.
H.
Greenpeace
Greenpeace is dedicated to conserving oceans and marine life across the globe. Its grassroots efforts have resulted
in the ban of destructive fishing practices, companies changing their fishing policies, and the creation of whale
sanctuaries. It's currently spearheading an effort to zone approximately 40 percent of the ocean as protected
areas.
I.
Ocean Research and Conservation Association (ORCA