Protect Our Oceans

World Oceans Day: a whole world worth protecting

Pollution is one of the biggest ways that we are negatively contributing to marine ecosystems. Plastic, chemical and sound pollution are all threats to ocean life and all of it comes from us.

Oceans

strecosa via Pixabay CC0 | Pixabay.com

Our oceans are magnificent! From tiny Zooplankton to enormous Right Whales– oceans are home to most of Earth’s life. They cover 71% of the Earth’s surface, most of which remains unexplored by humans. There is still so much to be learned about our oceans. One thing we do know is that we are a huge threat to our ocean’s health. Human caused water pollution is one of the biggest ways that we are negatively contributing to marine ecosystems. 

Plastic Pollution

Pollution is a huge threat to ocean life and all of it comes from us. There are different kinds of ocean pollution; one of the most common that we hear about being plastic pollution. We produce a lot of plastic and unfortunately too much of it ends up in our oceans. Oftentimes marine animals mistake that plastic for food and ingest it. This can lead to starvation when their bellies are filled with indigestible plastic. The plastic pollution that is not swallowed can either entrap animals or can cause damage to their homes. Environment Virginia is currently working to call on lawmakers to require producers to use less plastic and bear responsibility for their product’s waste. In turn this will reduce the amount of plastic pollution that ends up in our oceans. 

Chemical Pollution

Another form of ocean pollution is chemical pollution. Runoff water from farms or even yards can carry pesticides and fertilizers into rivers and then to sea. Once they are in the ocean- these extra chemicals cause a rapid growth of algae. This algae hogs all of the oxygen, killing many of the organisms that live there, and creating a dead zone. Agricultural runoff causes the most chemical pollution in oceans, but it is not the only contributor. Chemical pollution also comes from vehicle exhausts, power plant emissions, and climate change. As temperatures rise globally we will likely see more harmful algae growths due to warmer waters and more greenhouse gas emissions. Because Virginia has rivers that flow into the Chesapeake Bay and then into the Ocean- it is important that we take statewide action to prevent chemical pollution. 

Sound Pollution

Sound pollution is not something that people typically think of when thinking about ocean pollution, but it is a serious threat to sea animals. Offshore drilling uses sound based technology to search the ocean for gas and oil. Loud shockwaves are set off underwater repeatedly for days or even weeks. This harms or kills marine animals and destroys their habitats. Many animals are forced to leave their homes. Sound pollution can be especially threatening to animals like whales who depend on their hearing to communicate, locate the things around them, and find food. These blasts can cause temporary and permanent hearing loss. Other forms of sound pollution come from commercial shipping, offshore construction, and fishing boats. In order to protect coastal sea life offshore drilling and other sound pollutants must be stopped. 

Virginians are lucky to have beaches and the ocean at our doorstep. We can see dolphins from shore, play in the waves and walk with our toes in the sand looking out at the vast and beautiful sea. It is our responsibility to take care of this earth and our oceans are a very big and important part of that. Let’s focus on what we can do to protect our oceans this World Ocean Day.

Environment Virginia intern, McKayla BrownPhoto by staff | TPIN

 

This contribution was written by our summer intern McKayla Brown. McKayla will be starting her sophomore year at Hawaii Pacific University in the fall where she will pursue her passion for our oceans, studying Marine Affairs. 

 

 

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