World Ocean Day .2023.

           WORLD OCEANS DAY June 8th

                       A DECADE IN THE OCEAN

“Why do we love the ocean? Because it has some potent power to make us think things we like to think.” This line has been well quoted by Robert Henri. The oceans are our powerhouse and have always been mankind’s empowerment. It is home to trillions of organisms, some known while others in the dark deep depths yet to be discovered. From gigantic whales and sharks to tiny plants, algae and bacteria the ocean sustains it all. They dominate the earth by covering about 70 percent of the earth’s surface. 

Dr. Earle once said “With every drop of water you drink, every breath you take, you are connected to the ocean no matter where on earth you live.” I am a certified Open Water Scuba Diver and this quote has become my life mantra. We as divers, promote eco-tourism and help change the way people perceive the oceans and aid towards the cause of their conservation.

What is the ocean to people? –this question holds numerous answers. For some it holds one’s means of livelihood like fishermen, divers, scientists, etc. For some, it holds food like seafood and all the edible plants it provides us with. But for some including me, the oceans hold inspiration, passion, adventure and a will to change the way the people perceive it. But together we all require the oceans because the coral reef-forests provide 85% of the oxygen we breathe. It gives us fossil fuels, medicines etc. the list goes on. But above all it gives us knowledge. Thus it is vital that people appreciate the importance of the ocean and help preserve its serenity and reinstate the damage caused.

 *THREATS TO THE OCEAN*: In the past decade plastic, chemicals, garbage, and masks during the pandemic dumped into the oceans has caused a lot of pollution. Annually 800 metric tons of plastic enters the ocean and the animals thinking it to be prey, eat it and it hazards their health. Scientists predict that by 2050 their will be much more plastic in the ocean than fish. If this continues, the day is not far when the blue planet will no longer remain blue. 

The majestic, apex-predators Sharks, are endangered and vulnerable due to human activities. In a year, 100 million sharks are killed mainly for their fins which are used in shark fin soup which is not even nutritious. Sharks are portrayed by the media to be man slaughtering machines but in reality, they are beautiful creatures essential to maintain the marine ecosystems without whom, the oceans would not be healthy. Cosmetic products often use squaline which is derived from sharks. We should be responsible consumers and say no to shark derived products. Overfishing, shark finning and culling have nearly wiped out the exotic species. The beautiful coral reefs which were once vibrant are now colourless due to excessive bleaching and pollution. The ocean needs our help and conservation to thrive as a result we can also thrive. By doing regular beach clean ups, following reuse, reduce and recycle, finding substitutes to plastic products used daily, going vegan, eating less meat and seafood or by just educating oneself, one can contribute a lot to aid the seas.

Now with the passage of time people are becoming more cognizant about the ocean and working for its cause. Hence in the next decade we will help the ocean bloom and regain its purity, marvel and help the flora and fauna grow. I believe that the goal the scientists have aimed on achieving to save 30 percent of the oceans by 2030 will be fulfilled and we will have a much brighter marine ecosystem. We will help protect the creatures fearing extinction and aid our oceans to once again attain its full strength. This is to a new upcoming for the oceans a new and an enhanced one.

Written By,

Manya Daga

Of Class XI (SPS)

Marine Activist,

Open Water Scuba Diver.