“Once upon a time, our oceans seemed like a vast and plentiful resource which could be depended on indefinitely. Today, they are so threatened by various human activities that the future of marine life and the ocean is uncertain. People should come together and put forth the effort to protect our waters before our magnificent oceans and pristine marine life are destroyed for good.”
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Once upon a time, our oceans seemed like a vast and plentiful resource which could be depended on indefinitely.

Today, they are so threatened by various human activities that the future of marine life and the ocean is uncertain.

People should come together and put forth the effort to protect our waters before our magnificent oceans and pristine marine life are destroyed for good.

Currently, some of the greatest threats to our oceans include pollution, global warming, whaling and many forms of commercial fishing.

According to the organization Greenpeace, testing has shown that our waters are being contaminated by varieties of pollutants, including pesticides and sewage.

Global warming, another hazard, is caused by human activities producing pollution and greenhouse gases.

Whaling is extinguishing marine mammals by slaughter.

The Japanese government has been exploiting a technicality in international law to conduct scientific research on whales, killing 850 annually.

This year, they have declared plans to increase their research to kill 50 endangered humpback whales and 50 endangered fin whales, in conjunction with the ongoing mink slaughter.

Commercial fishing speaks for itself; entire populations of fish are being destroyed and the food chain disrupted while fishing nets kill up to 300,000 whales, dolphins and porpoises annually.

These examples are only some of the dangers to the ocean.

We should help to protect our waters by getting involved and taking action.

We can reduce pollution by refraining from pouring oils, engine fluids and household cleaners down storm drains or sinks, as they will eventually end up in the ocean.

Repair car or boat engine leaks immediately.

This eliminates a source of run-off pollution.

Reduce household pollutants and waste by properly disposing of trash and cleaning products.

Also, we can protect ocean wildlife by properly disposing fishing lines, nets and plastic items.

Reduce, reuse, recycle!

Remember to conserve water.

Pay attention to how much you use in comparison with how much you need.

Most importantly, learn all you can, share your knowledge and get involved!

Students can join the Greenpeace student network at http://www.greenpeace.org/usa/getinvolved/student-network.

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