What Is Ocean Sustainability?
It’s caring for Mother Ocean in a way that ensures healthy ecosystems, thriving marine life, and resources that last for generations to come. It’s the balance between human needs and protecting biodiversity and ecosystem functions.
This includes: blue carbon ecosystems like mangroves and seagrasses that store carbon, Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), sustainable fisheries to prevent overexploitation, pollution control, restoration of degraded ecosystems and more.
❓ Did You Know the Ocean Is Already Saving Us?
- She absorbs ~30% of human-made CO2 emissions.
- Has taken in ~90% of the excess heat from greenhouse gases.
- And generates about 50% of the oxygen we breathe.
- Extra fun fact: Did you know, a single great whale sequesters around 33 tons of CO2 in its lifetime. So, protecting whales is not just conservation, it’s also climate action.
The ocean is already working overtime to protect us! And without these services, the climate crisis would already be far more extreme. But the ocean can’t keep doing so if we don’t protect her in return.
Why Does Ocean Sustainability Matter So Much?
The ocean IS the backbone of all life on Earth! Beyond climate regulation, the ocean sustains life in countless other ways: coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrasses protect shorelines from storms and erosion, while also supporting fisheries that feed millions of people worldwide. Healthy ecosystems don’t just safeguard biodiversity, they also safeguard OUR communities by providing food, jobs, and even sources of medicine. Not to mention the extremely important role the ocean and marine life plays on cultural heritage for communities around the globe.
But this big blue ally is under threat. Rising temperatures, mass coral bleaching, acidification, most marine ecosystems are eroding due to overfishing, pollution and habitat destruction.
Plastic pollution and juvenile fish (Naja Bertolt Jensen, Indonesia, 2021)
Without stronger protections the ocean and all its life will continue to weaken, just when we most need a resilient and sustainable ocean. Prioritizing ocean sustainability is KEY to safeguard our future.
Why do I believe in this so much? Because I’ve seen it what can happen when we treat the ocean as a partner instead of just a resource! When the ocean thrives, so do we. Cleaner water, richer biodiversity, stronger coastlines.
It’s Our Turn!
The ocean has already done more than its share by buffering climate change, feeding us and protecting us. Now it’s time to return the favour. The ocean is not “somewhere out there.” It’s our life support system, our climate ally, and our future. This is true, even for the most inland communities. Whether you’re in policy, business, science, or just someone who loves the sea, we all play a role. And together, we can turn the tide.
Here are four easy steps you can take for Ocean Sustainability today:
- Keep Learning! Here are some good places to start deepening your connection to the ocean:
- Rethink Choices in your Daily life. Cutting down on plastics or choosing sustainable seafood (or reducing consumption altogether), directly reduce pressure on our ocean. Even small swaps add up when millions take part! 1. Use Your Voice for Ocean Advocacy. Call on leaders and companies to take bold action, whether that’s signing a petition that is close to your heart, supporting ocean policies in your region, or sharing information on social media. Advocacy amplifies impact far beyond individual choices.
- Get Involved With Ocean Conservation! You don’t need to live by the sea to make a difference. Donate, volunteer, or spread awareness for initiatives working on ocean sustainability (like the Balean Foundation).
Did you find this read interesting? I’ve made it my personal mission to make ocean science and conservation more accessible and relatable for everyone. If you’d like to keep learning, you can find more on my ocean awareness platform!
