Ocean Conservation

Ocean Conservation in California

Ocean conservation is an important matter not just for me but for the planet as well. The ocean not only provides for us socially and economically, but it also beneficiary for the planet.

What is Ocean Conservation?  

~Also known as Marine Conservation~

Marine conservation, also known as marine resources conservation, is the protection and preservation of ecosystems in oceans and seas.

Marine conservation also focuses on preserving vulnerable marine species¹.

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Did you know…

 

·      The ocean is the largest ecosystem on Earth, it is the planet’s life support system. 

·      Oceans generate half of the oxygen we breathe. At any given moment, they contain more than 97% of the world’s water. 

·      Oceans provide at least a sixth of the animal protein people eat.

·       Living oceans absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and reduce climate change impacts².

Despite these amazing features the ocean provides for us, as oceans become more polluted, overfished, and climate changes, the ability to provide essential benefits to us people and nature declines.

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What can we do to help reserve our oceans and keep it healthy? 

 

Over-Fishing

When it comes to over-fishing, there are new methods being created and tested to avoid over-fishing. One noticeable example is the swordfish fisheries along the coast of California. The Nature Conservancy in California is working to create and maintain a more sustainable swordfish fishery to reduce the unintentional catch of sea turtles and other mammals in the ocean. 

TNC working to create sustainable fisheries in CA

What can you do personally when you fish?

Use Lead Free Tackle!  

Lead is still used in many fishing accessories, which can cause health problems for fish and wildlife if such devices are swallowed. Lead-free sinkers are available on the market and are a much safer alternative. 

Catch and Release!

Catch and release fishing helps reduce the impacts on fish populations. Catch only what you need, don't go around over fishing.

  

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Kelp Forests Conservation 

Another issue that is currently being tackled with ocean conservation along the California coast is the restoration and protection of our kelp forests.

Did you know that our kelp forests are one of the defining features of our coastline? Yet they are at risk of disappearing. This is due to the warming temperatures rising in our oceans, as well as ocean ecosystems that are changing due to over fishing.

Kelp Forests locations on the coast of California

One of many Kelp forests along the coast

Yet, the problem is not only affecting the coastlines in California, but all over the world such as the coasts of Australia, Norway, and Chile³.

Kelp forests form the foundation of the nearshore ocean ecosystem and are critical to the diversity and resilience of marine life. These important ecosystems provide habitats and nursery grounds for species like sea otters, rock fish, and urchins. They also help improve ocean acidification, and even protect coastal communities from storm surge³.

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Pollution in the Ocean 

 

Beachgoers who dont pick up after themselves

Pollution in the Ocean is another issue that affects the ecosystems in the ocean. Did you know that in 2018, our local beach Santa Monica, was considered to be the state's seventh most polluted beach? 

 Not only are our oceans being polluted by our trash, there are also other factors that are included in turning our oceans dirty. This includes wildlife (shocking right?) as well as storm runoff.




“The seventh most polluted beach in the state is right here at the Santa Monica Pier, the humid conditions under the pier, the many flocks of birds that like to hang out here and storm drain runoff from the land are likely culprits in the high bacteria levels at the pier.” -   Shelley Luce, the president of the Heal the Bay, Santa Monica 

What can you do to keep our oceans and beaches clean? 

1. Pick up your trash, dont leave it in the sand. Its not ahrd to pick up your trashan walk it over to a trash can or recyling bin.  DONT BE A FOOL PICK UP YO TRASH SMH                                 
2. Pick up any littering, doesnt matter if its yours or not. Be a freind to mother nature.  

Underneath the Santa Monica Pier - KEEP IT CLEAN

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Community Outreach

 I spoke to select locals around the ocean communities in Santa Monica to hear their thoughts, concerns, and opinions on the matter. It was difficult getting more than 3 people....

Earl Jumawan

 "Ocean Conservation is a matter that people should look into. The fact that so many dismiss it is phenomenal. We need to take care of these matters now, before it is too late in the future." - Earl Jumawan, Friend and Resident of the Santa Monica Neighborhood.

"I'm glad to hear we have community members who are aware of what is going on with our oceans and taking the initiative to help. Organizations such as Heal the Bay and Reef Check are great ways to give back to the ocean. I want to swim in a clean ocean, not a ocean filled with garbage." - Karen Martinez, Resident of Santa Monica

Jannil Magaña

 "It's great to talk to someone who is aware of whats happening with our oceans and how you're bringing awareness to others. You, me, and everyone should be care about protecting and conserving our ocean ecosystems." - Jannil Magaña, Friend and Resident of the Venice Neighborhood.

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About Me

Why does this matter to me? I grew up going to the beach, visting, and swimming in the ocean from the age of 7. I used to live near the beach community of Santa Monica before I moved inwards to East LA.Waking up and heading to the beach, only to see dome days where it was filthly and dirty would be bummer. As I grew older, I began to give back doing my part to help keep our beaches and oceans clean. 

Along with my facisination of marine life, I wanted to make sure that our oceans stay clean for us to enjoy now and for future generations to come. This is why Ocean conservation is a big factor for me, and keeping our ocean ecosystems clean and safe.

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References

1.     Marine Conservation

2.     Why We Protect Our Oceans

3.     California Oceans Program 
4. Santa Monica Pier Seventh Most Polluted Beach