Publisher’s Note
Little things DO mean a lot in saving
our oceans
A
side from being trade routes for vessels carrying freight and sea lanes for vaca-
tioners on board cruise liners, our oceans are of utmost importance in ecological
terms.
Comprising over three fourths of the earth's surface, these oceans are a valuable
source of the air that we breathe. They are also home to an amazing array
of amphibians, underwater creatures and marine life such as corals and algae
that all help sustain that precious ecological balance. And, they are a major source
of the water that we drink, bathe and cleanse ourselves with.
But in this era of climate change and geophysical uncertaintries, we as maritime industry bigwigs,
professional divers of as individuals who want to do our part in whatever means we can, all have a
collective responsibility to preserve the well-being of our oceans.
For one, shipping companies must take extra care in loading toxic substances like petroleum,
lubricants and the like to avoid oil spills that take place mostly en route. These spills have polluted
those precious waters that, in turn endangered marine life.
As individuials, let us also alert ourselves of the hazards plastics bring to our oceans. According to a
report issued by National Geographic, over four billion plastic microfibres per square kilometre
litter the deep sea. These synthetic pollutants also trigger the so-called 'floating syndrome' where
sea animals such as turtles float from ingesting plastic--and cannot flee from it.
Moreover, let us equally avoid purchasing items fashioned out from endangered marine life spe-
cies: tortoise shell products, coral jewellery, shark fangs and cosmetics made from extracts of shark
and whale oil. Not to forget, let's all be careful when disposing toxic liquids such as used cooking oil
and motor oils; instead of pouring these down the drain, dispose of these in their designated
drop-off sites.
Indeed the littke things that we do make a big difference if we all do these collectively and
consistently. Simple as these may be, these acts count a lot to keep our oceans greener, safer, more
sustainable--and natural assets of our planet that we all take pride in preserving.
PHILIP O. ORTALEZA
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