We all have to be mindful of not only our own selves but also our world and environment. Sometimes we are forgetful of how our actions harm more than just are own lives.

According to NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration), the ocean covers approximately 71% of the Earth’s surface. Containing almost all of the planet’s water, we have only explored only 5% of this underwater world. The oceans contain almost 50% of the world’s living species. Humans rely on seafood for 55% of our protein intakes. More importantly, the oceans and lakes play a crucial role in climate, weather, and healthy eco-systems.

With so much unknown about the seas, scientists are studying the human effects of over-harvesting, pollution, and population. From oil spills to plastic bags, we have done our fair share of damage to our environment. The true extent of this harm has yet to be fully understood.

Education of such matters is critical for our future generations. We should do our parts to be stewards of nature. Here are 5 simple tips to help our oceans.

1. “Green” Seafood

Know where your sea food comes from. Buy seafood that comes from sustainable sources. Destructive harvesting has wreaked havoc on our natural eco systems. It is responsible to purchase fish from farmed or environmentally friendly techniques that reduce waste, destruction and accidental bycatch.

The best choices for seafood are abundant and well managed catches. Please read more atwww.seafoodforthefuture.org and www.seafoodwatch.org.

Educate your family and friends with free information and shopping pocket guides. Some great choices include:
·       Striped Bass
·       US Farmed Tilapia
·       Pacific Sardines
·       US Farmed Abalone
·       Sea Scallops
·       WA Wild Salmon
·       Squid
·       Shrimp

Avoid if you can for the following are often caught or farmed in ways that are harmful to marine life or the environment.
·       Monkfish
·       Bluefin Tuna
·       Red Snapper
·       Octopus
·       Salmon (Farmed and Atlantic)
·       Freshwater Eel

I know this affects sushi consumption… but we must make sacrifices.

2. Own Your Trash and Reuse/Avoid Plastic

All one needs to do is to walk our beaches after a busy beach day. If you want to take it further, grab a kayak and paddle out into our oceans. Before not you will see tons of waste and rubbish that float in our oceans. You will see islands of waste that scatter our oceans. It is not uncommon to see human garbage in the most deserted of islands.

It is very simple. Pick up your trash.

And if you have time and investment in our environment pick up other trash that you see lying around. A plastic bag can easily look like a jellyfish to a sea turtle. It cannot be as appetizing and can easily choke/suffocate these majestic creatures.

Human waste also includes dumping oil, toxins and poisons down the drain. This untreated water filters into our oceans and can be quite toxic to our sea creatures.

Along with other “green” ideas, keep your trash to a minimum. Use reusable grocery bags. Avoid disposable plastic bottles. Use environmentally friendly soaps. Try a comport bin and make fertilizer for your personal garden!

3. Support Aquariums and Educational Organizations

Don’t support the reckless haphazard tourist traps. You can easily tell by the health and quality of life for the displayed animals. Their tanks are unclean and the “aquarium” looks more like a glorified pet shop than educational site.

In California, some excellent sites include The Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach and the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Though more costly than a movie and dinner, the entrance fees account for the maintenance, public education and scientific research needed to help us learn more about our oceans and seas.

These aquariums and other such organizations such as: Heal the Bay: www.healthebay.org and The Surfrider Foundation: www.surfrider.org, are great foundations that not only educate our youths, but also raise funds and awareness. They are often collaborating with countless others to fight necessary causes that are often ignored by humanity. A dollar goes a long way. You can either become a yearly member or just donate money. MonkMe often raises funds for eco causes, as well as other charitable causes. Do what you can. If donating money is not possible, you can also volunteer your time.

Organize trips for family or students. Educate yourself.  The education of our youths will provide a stronger outlook for our future generations. If we are able to put into place the safeguards for a healthy ocean, we will further increase our chances of living in a healthy earth ecosystem.

Try these three tips. These alone will greatly help our oceans and sea life. Imagine if everyone does their part. So do your part!

What other simple tips can you offer? Share it with us. We all need to learn more and become inspired.