It’s Time to Save Our Waters

We know how important water is. We need it to live and use it as an integral part of so many of our innovations. But do you understand how important life below water is?

Natural resources found in the ocean are used to provide biofuel, food and medicines. Not only that, so many animals live in Earth’s waters and they need a livable environment.

So many species are in danger as our waters get more polluted and overused. Beyond just being unfair to them, this is a danger to us as our existence is tied to their survival. This is a danger that can’t be ignored or pushed to the next generation

So what do we do? How can we save life below water? Let’s look at some options.

One of the major issues facing life below water is obviously the ever-increasing risk coming hand in hand with climate change. As sea ice melts and pollution taints the purity of our waters so many crises are coming forth, threatening to overtake us.

This is why the Ocean Frontier Institute is so important. This amazing initiative has stepped forward and is seeking solutions that will benefit everyone involved.

Through the use of OFI laboratories and research vessels its researchers are doing amazing work. The institute has 16 large research projects aiming to uncover ways to save our waters, looking at everything from managing carbon dioxide absorption to ensuring the survival of Marine Protected Areas to addressing the rising problems facing shipping companies.

I cannot stress the importance of this institute. Phase 2 is set to start soon and I can’t wait to see the innovation it brings forth.

Overfishing is another issue that needs a solution before it’s too late. According to the UN Environment Programme poor ocean management has an enormous economic impact, costing at least $200 billion per year and climate change is only going to increase the cost.

This is why initiatives like Global Fishing Watch are so important. Through modern technology like satellites and AI the organization is revolutionizing how we track fishing activity and is transforming the world’s access to the data.

This data will be very important when it comes to solving one of the major issues facing a sustainable fishing industry: unlicensed fishing. With eyes on over 65, 000 boats, Global Fishing Watch can pick out the warning signs to reduce and eventually eliminate illegal and unregulated fishing and ensure all fishing activities are done legally and sustainably.

If we want our future to include a diet of fish this is something we need to succeed.

They like to say that children are our future. That being said, if we want them (and their children) to have a future we have to ensure they don’t repeat our mistakes.

It may seem unfair to burden them with the grim reality that is climate change at an early age but done right they can be introduced to the concept so they understand why conservation is so important and embrace this practice early on.

Kids Save Ocean fully understands this and is creating an app to help get children involved in ocean conservation.

By giving them easy access to information and offering a way for them to get involved (letter campaigns) the Fatechanger app has the potential to bring forth the next generation of eco-warriors. This is great news.

I know the potential that exists in our children. Let’s do what we can to help them get involved.

Admit it: It’s easy to forget how important water and life below water truly is. Living in a part of the world with abundant fresh water and the ability to access it by just turning on the tap it’s not always in our faces how precarious this situation actually is.

In truth, though, the water crisis is not far away. If we don’t head it off we are in for a disaster. We need to support these initiatives seeking solutions as we need these solutions if humankind is meant to continue life on this planet.