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What YOU can do to save our ocean
The problems facing the world's oceans are serious. Fortunately, you don't have to be a superhero to help save them. Doing your part can end overfishing and protect the seas from future overfishing. Try reducing your impact with these easy steps:
- Get informed. Know which species are endangered and which are overfished.
- Eat fewer fish. Consuming fewer fish is the easiest way to reduce your impact on the ocean.
- When you do eat fish, choose Choose sustainable fish, such as wild Alaskan Salmon or farmed Tilapia. The Monterey Bay Aquarium has a list of which fish species are fished sustainably. Eating these fish has less of an impact on the oceans because the populations are large and well managed.
- Tell your friends. Ideas spread best by word of mouth. Let your friends know that the oceans are in danger; tell them which fish are the best to eat and which ones to avoid. Public awareness is essential to save the oceans.
- Donate. You can support organizations such as Greenpeace; the Monterey Bay Aquarium to fund world-class research and education; and the Recreational Fishing Alliance, which lobbies for sustainable fishing and the continued tradition of recreational fishing.
- Buy a cool t-shirt. Go to Save the Fish to buy a shirt that benefits the RFA, which fights for sustainability and marine fishery jobs.
- Contact your representative. Let your congressman know that you support efforts to improve sustainable fishing. With your support, congress can pass restrictions on harmful fishing techniques. And don't forget the fish when you vote.
- Talk to restaurants. Convince them to sell only sustainable seafood. Reducing availability of unsustainable fish is a good way to reduce consumption. The Monterey Bay Aquarium has cards you can send to restaurants that help them choose which seafood to serve.
- Become an activist. Gather local support for healthier oceans. Use your group to volunteer at beach clean ups, and to spread the word about overfishing. You can also receive e-letters from Greenpeace about ways you can get involved.
- Contact the local media. Tell them that you want more coverage about overfishing and the oceans. Local stations run public interest segments---convince the station to shoot a piece about the fishing and ocean.
- Stay informed. Keep up with what is happening in the marine world. Staying up to date lets you know what issues are the most pressing.
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