World Oceans’ Day: The tale of the Dying Oceans and the Need for Joint Actions
“We cannot live on this planet with dead oceans. If our oceans die, we die”
Paul Watson, Sea Shepherd
We all are and have always been just a minority on this planet we hold so many claims to. Oceans do not just occupy 70% of the earth; they also serve as habitat for over 90% of the earth’s life forms. They are deep water bodies; a world full of wonder and mystery.
The beauty of oceans and the life borne within is incomparable; they are endowed with the power to provide a refreshing atmosphere and serenity. The harmony of its waves, tides and currents send thrills to our pulse and keep us longing for more of its magic.
Interestingly, as few as we are, compared to oceans’ occupants, we make the most detrimental impacts on ocean life. The ocean houses a natural, self-supporting ecosystem of biologically diverse organisms, all contributing to the system and living to the best of their natural capabilities. All would have gone on sustainably,but for the anthropogenic disruptions on the various oceanic ecosystems. This tale begins with the part where the oceans affect us more than we realise.
Why Are Oceans So Important?
Simply put, oceans are important because they play invaluable roles that impact everyone. Oceans house so many diverse species that play vital roles. In fact, the species we see are just but a scratch of the surface. Oceans, directly and indirectly, feed us and give us very important minerals. From oceans, we can get medicines and a time spent at the ocean is usually therapeutic. More than half of the oxygen we consume comes from the ocean and they absorb a large percentage of unwanted carbon dioxide. By transporting equatorial heat to the poles and modifying precipitations, they regulate our weather patterns and climate. We do not just use the ocean for tourism, recreational services and as a food source, but also for transport and international trade. Without oceans, millions of people would be out of jobs and many economies will crash.
The Sad-Ocean Reality
The benefits we derive from oceans depend on how we manage them. Despite all oceans do for us, we keep getting them in trouble with our activities. Studies have shown a massive deterioration of the ocean, fast species depletion and the state of oceans are becoming unrecognizable. Here’s what’s causing the oceans’ biggest challenges;
Overfishing
Reports show that over 50 million tons of fish are wasted yearly across the globe. Overfishing does more than wipe out different species of fish in the ocean. It creates an imbalance in the ocean’s food chain hence, threatening the survival of other marine species. This is not restricted to the bottom feeders. Predators like sharks are endangered by disturbing practices like shark finning. Fishing methods like bottom trawling destroy the ocean floors and threatens the life of species therein.
Acidification
Oceans naturally absorb carbon dioxide but not at the rates noticed in recent times due to the burning of fossil fuels. The massive levels of carbon dioxide pumped into the atmosphere are affecting our oceans too. The ocean’s pH level is dropping and the ensuing imbalance cannot be ignored. Lower pH levels are injurious to ocean life. There are now more ocean dead zones than there were in the past. Dead zones are areas that cannot support ocean life and biodiversity due to lack of oxygen.
Pollution
Industrial pollution is becoming a hazard to our oceans. Pollution from farms, factories, boats etc. with non-biodegradable plastics occupying large spaces in the ocean. The litter we leave around water bodies or in waterways find their way into the ocean. Those harmful fertilizers and pesticides usually find their way into the ocean. Mercury accumulated in oceans is ingested by humans through fish and it causes serious diseases. Ocean resources are gradually becoming unfit for human consumption, but that’s not the only problem — aquatic species are getting poisoned too!
Marine Engineering and Oil Drilling
Human interventions in the form of marine engineering and oil exploration are causing negative changes in oceans. They cause disturbance to the resident species and generate pollutants which compromise their survival.
Rising Temperatures
Oceans are warming up and the effects are disastrous to marine ecosystems and other species. Warmer oceans spread pathogens of diseases like cholera and some other neurological diseases. It also leads to severe weather such as hurricanes and typhoons. Storms are spurred by marine temperature, thus, with global warming; the rate of occurrence and intensity is increasing significantly.
Joint Actions: The Needed Plot Twist
Ocean-dwelling species are fast disappearing and oceans are set on the path of death unless we act fast. Little wonder, the fourteenth Sustainable Development Goal targets the protection of life below water. This time, the burden of ocean protection is not on our Government alone. We all have roles to play –
· Illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing and marine explorations must be reported and stopped.
· Reduce plastic purchase and use (shopping bags, cigarette litters, take-out containers etc.)
· Dispose of all toxic and non-biodegradable products properly
· Clean your drains, don’t pour oils and other toxins into it
· Reduce the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides in your farms and gardens
· Reduce energy consumption, minimize the burning of fossil fuels
· Buy ocean-friendly products and avoid harmful products
· Spread the word and keep the campaign going on
The Happy Ending
Our world needs to go back to the much-needed balance where we serve the oceans and the oceans serve us well. The oceans are headed towards a tragic climax unless we all act. Like little drops of water make the mighty ocean, likewise, little positive acts will save the mighty ocean.
