10 Ways To Help Our Ocean

71% of planet Earth is covered by the global ocean, divided into five basins — the Atlantic, Pacific, Indian, Arctic and Southern (Antarctic). Here on Amelia Island near the Florida-Georgia coastal border, we are privileged to have over 13 miles of beaches along the Atlantic Ocean. Remarkably, less than 1% of all water on Earth is “fresh,” while around 97% of Earth’s water is in the ocean, according to NOAA.

List of 10 Tips — How To Help Earth’s Ocean

Everyone can help our ocean by implementing at least a few of these tips, “10 Ways To Help Our Ocean.” This guidance and a downloadable info graphic is provided by NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration):

• 1. Conserve Water — Use less water so excess runoff and wastewater will not flow into the ocean.
• 2. Reduce Pollutants — Choose nontoxic chemicals and dispose of herbicides, pesticides, and cleaning products properly.
• 3. Reduce Waste — Cut down on what you throw away.
•  4. Shop Wisely — Choose sustainable seafood. Buy less plastic and bring a reusable bag.
• 5. Reduce Vehicle Pollution — Use fuel efficient vehicles, carpool or ride a bike.
• 6. Use Less Energy — Choose energy efficient light bulbs and don’t over set your thermostat.
• 7. Fish Responsibly — Follow “catch and release” practices and keep more fish alive.
• 8. Practice Safe Boating — Anchor in sandy areas far from coral and sea grasses. Adhere to “no wake” zones.
• 9. Respect Habitat — Healthy habitat and survival go hand in hand. Treat with care.
• 10. Anytime, Anywhere — Volunteer for cleanups at the beach and in your community. You can get involved in protecting your watershed, too.

Connect With Conservation Groups

Interested in learning more about local conservation and environmental initiatives and/or volunteering opportunities? Visit the Amelia Island Conservation Network website for further information on various groups, with links to the founding members. These include Nassau’s Sierra Club, Amelia Island Beach and Marine Life Conservancy, Amelia Tree Conservancy, Keep Nassau Beautiful, Amelia Island Sea Turtle Watch, Wild Amelia, and the St. Marys Riverkeeper.

Also take a look at NOAA’s website for further information (plus below is info graphic of these 10 tips to help our ocean, a downloadable file).