OCEAN CONSERVATION ISSUES

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Marine Pollution

Marine animals are extremely vulnerable to pollution, parasites, and oil. Marine animals live in the same water we use in our gardens and wash down our drains. When water runoff picks up chemicals like DDT, fertilizers, pesticides, weed-killers, and oil it brings these pollutants with it into the ocean. Just follow a drop of water!

Unfortunately, toxins from water runoff and oil spills are not the only pollutants threatening marine animals. Marine litter and debris are also a major threat to the ocean's ecosystem, injuring and often killing many animals. Marine animals are often entangled or trapped in debris causing serious injury or death by drowning. Others mistake debris as food accidently ingesting lethal substances. Products such as plastic bags, Styrofoam, and glass bottles are routinely found in all ocean environments. Because these materials do not break down quickly, a single piece of marine litter can remain in the ocean for years.

You can help protect the ocean's animals from marine litter by:

• Properly disposing of plastic bags, fishing nets, and other trash.
• When you visit a marine area, do not leave garbage on the beach -- make sure you take what you brought.
• You can also volunteer at community cleanups organized by local environmental groups.

Following these steps we can ensure a healthy and safe habitat for our marine animals.

Volunteer Clean-up

Video on the Pacific Trash Gyre: Trash on the Spin Cycle