Everything in this world we use comes from the ocean in some way. The air we breathe, the water we drink, the food we eat like those delicious fish fillets, lobster, conch, and shrimp dishes. Even the products we use day to day would not be possible without the ocean. That's why the issue of ocean pollution is so important and needs to be addressed as soon as possible. We depend on the ocean for so much in our lives, without it we would surely become extinct. People seem to think that since the ocean is so large and vast, we can dump as much waste as we would like into it, and it will never have an effect on us. However, since we have been polluting the ocean as far back as Roman times, the evidence of ocean pollution becoming a major problem is all too clear.
There are many different ways the ocean can become polluted. Plastic bags, plastic wrappers, bottles, containers, nets, are reportedly commonly seen by divers while they are trying to enjoy their underwater experience in Belize. Though plastics have revolutionized the world and have made human experience convenient and easier, they now pose a huge environmental problem to the oceans, marine animals, people and indeed to the world.
Another huge cause of ocean pollution are oil spills caused by accidents at the oil rigs that are extracting oil from the seabed. Similar oil spills are caused by commercial oil tankers transporting the crude oil or processed gasoline and diesel from one port to another. Even storage tanks for the product do go through accidents that cause extensive damage to land and sea.
But why does pollution of the ocean occur in such magnum amounts? One of the theories is that some people are simply carefree and not morally conscious. We are criticized that when we travel to foreign countries we practice high cleanliness standards, but when we are in Belize we could care less and just throw any piece of garbage out through the window or overboard into the sea.
Th main concern we have with sea pollution is that fact that it affect everybody. Pollution does not only affects marine life and their environment; it also affects mankind. Chemicals such as oil, mercury, lead, pesticides, and other heavy metals can all be found within the ocean and can contaminate water supplies and our food chain by affecting the marine life involved.
Other specific effects of ocean pollution on sea life include: Oil covering the feathers of birds and the gills of fish. Skin and eye irritation, and lung and liver problems, from oil deposits and byproducts add to the turmoils of sea pollution. Scientists have proven that the reproductive system is affected from exposure to poisonous industrial and agricultural chemicals. Furthermore unclean waters can have severe economic impacts on recreational fishing, commercial fishing business and tourism. It can have far reaching effects on the Belizean economy impacting fishing, diving snorkeling and recreational sea adventures.
Are we in crisis? Is all lost for Belize and particularly for communities like San Pedro and Caye Caulker that depend so much on the sea? Perspectives believes that all is not lost and that we can save our seas from pollution. The number one thing we can do is education - a good education campaign that will create consciousness and love for our marine world. We can include such courses in marine biology and protection of our environment beginning at primary level up to junior college. Furthermore parents can instill these values to children at an early age considering that children are excellent imitators of the actions of parents and adults in general.
Use fewer plastic products like bags, cups, plates, spoons, forks and plastic bottles and containers. In this regard it is the perspective of many that governments can assist in this endeavor by passing legislation that will make these plastic products illegal in the stores. We applaud our Belizean government for passing the law that bans single use plastics and styrofoam products. That should come to fruition in April of this year. Say NO to offshore exploration for crude oil. Standup and let your voices be heard when government attempts to grant licenses to oil exploration companies.
So what are your views? Feel free to join us and express your concern, suggestions, comments and concerns and let your perspectives on this crucial issue be heard. The leaders of our nation and our community can play a vital role by being good listeners and by becoming proactive
HOW can we help stop pollution in the ocean?
10 Things You Can Do to Save the Ocean
1. Mind Your Carbon Footprint and Reduce Energy Consumption...
2. Make Safe, Sustainable Food Choices...
3. Eat fewer animal meat/products…
4. Use Fewer Plastic Products. ...
5. Help Take Care of the Beach. ...
6. Don't Purchase Items That Exploit Marine Life...
7. Be an Ocean-Friendly Pet Owner...
8. Support Organizations Working to Protect the Ocean...
9. Get involved in more cleanup campaigns..
10. Influence Change in Your Community…
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