4 Things You Can Do to Save the Ocean
If we told you that we LOVE the ocean, would you be surprised? đ
The ocean covers 71 percent of the planet. Itâs home to important species and ecosystems- but itâs also home to us. Our resort is nestled on the coast of Nova Scotia overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and we canât imagine our lives without it.
The sights, the sounds and the smells of the ocean are three of our favorite things. There’s just something so special about the ocean and the way it makes us all feel a little more calm and grounded.
Unfortunately, the ocean cannot speak for itself and it needs our help.
Here are five things you can start doing right now to help our oceans.
1. Use less plastic!
Itâs been estimated that more than 17 billion pounds of plastic leaks into the marine environment from land-based sources every yearâthatâs roughly equivalent to dumping a garbage truck full of plastic into our oceans every minute. Plastics that end up as ocean debris contribute to habitat destruction and entangle and kill tens of thousands of marine animals each year. To limit your impact, carry a reusable water bottle, store food in non-disposable containers, bring your own cloth tote or other reusable bag when shopping, opt for no plastic straw (or a reusable straw) and recycle whenever possible.
2. Make safe, sustainable seafood choices
Global fish populations are rapidly being depleted due to demand, loss of habitat, and unsustainable fishing practices. When shopping or dining out, help reduce the demand for over-exploited species by choosing seafood that is both healthful and sustainable. Check with your local grocery store to find out which in-store options were sustainably caught, or ask your server where the seafood is sourced from. For a quick reference guide on safe sustainable options, click here.
3. Take care of the coastlines
Whether you enjoy diving, surfing, hiking or relaxing on the beach, always clean up after yourself. Explore and appreciate the ocean without interfering with wildlife or removing rocks and coral. Better yet, participate in or organize local beach cleanups. Clean Nova Scotiaâs Beach Sweep program encourages and engages communities in the removal of trash and debris from shorelines throughout province. Get involved!
4. Travel the ocean responsibly
Practice responsible boating, kayaking, and other recreational activities on the water. Never throw anything overboard, and be aware of marine life in the waters around you. Ship strikes and entanglement in fishing gear have been identified or suspected in the deaths of North Atlantic right whales in recent years.
