The ocean is in trouble. Imagine an area of plastic two-times the size of Texas floating in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, decreasing marine life populations due to overfishing, ocean acidification, and ocean warming. This is our reality. People around the globe have realized that the ocean needs our help, and change needs to happen fast. These organizations from all over the world strive to make our future brighter and to make our oceans flourish. Seaside Sustainability admires and appreciates the work they do for our oceans and future.
It’s also important to learn more about the many stakeholders fighting for more sustainable oceans. Seaside Sustainability is always looking to collaborate with similar organizations. The actions of a few have the power to change our future. Here are some organizations fighting to save our oceans.
Ocean Conservatory’s mission is to advocate for the ocean while inspiring others. Their projects include creating innovative ways to keep our oceans trash-free, creating sustainable fisheries, and working with legislators to get the funding they need.
Oceana’s vision is to “make our oceans as rich, healthy, and abundant as they once were.” Oceana has won countless policy victories that will help protect our ocean and marine life. A few of their projects are to end single-use plastics, stop overfishing, save right whales from extinction, and advocate for clean energy.
Ric O’Barry captured and trained five dolphins that were used in the popular movie Flipper and trained the first orca kept in captivity east of the Mississippi. After one of the dolphins who played flipper died in his arms, O’Barry realized that it is wrong to keep dolphins in captivity and use them for human entertainment. He launched the Dolphin Project, an organization that “aims to educate the public about captivity and, where feasible, retire and/or release captive dolphins.”
The Blue Frontier Campaign strives to restore our oceans. They run a variety of projects including The “Blue New Deal,” The Sea Party Coalition, The Blue Vision Summit, and they organize March for the Ocean.
Project AWARE is an organization that addresses ocean threats and works to protect and restore our oceans. Project AWARE “connects the passion for ocean adventure with the purpose of marine conservation.” This organization focuses on two areas: community and policy. Project AWARE is creating long-term solutions to plastic pollution, has programs to protect sharks and rays, and brings attention to the global shark trade.
The Surfrider Foundation fights for plastic pollution, ocean protection, beach access, coastal preservation, and clean water. The organization promotes 656 ocean-friendly restaurants nationwide. The Surfrider Foundation hosts beach clean ups, a blue water task force, and ocean-friendly gardens.
The Environmental Defense Fund “empowers fishing communities around the world to improve their own livelihoods while caring for the ocean.” The EDF works in 26 countries and has protected 4M acres and 63 rare species.
The Coral Reef Alliance is on a mission to save our coral reefs. “CORAL is actively expanding the scientific understanding of how corals adapt to climate change and is applying this information to give reefs the best chance to thrive for generations to come.” The Coral Reef Alliance’s initiatives include ensuring healthy fisheries for reefs, clean water for reefs, intact reef ecosystems, and the science of adaptation.
We have the power to change our future. Share your ideas in the comments below!