There is time, though not a lot, to take action to stabilize and reverse the global decline of the natural ocean systems that keep us alive. Although humans pose grave danger to the health of the ocean, we also represent great hope.
Photo (c) Octavio Aburto
Experts agree the major threats facing the ocean are overfishing and destructive fishing practices; trash pollution, especially plastics; habitat loss due to development; ocean acidification; dead zones; and insufficient protection of sensitive areas. Mission Blue focuses on increased protection because it offers hope for alleviating many of these issues. While approximately 12% of land is protected through national parks and reserves, only just over 2% percent of the ocean is under any kind of protection.
The ocean is our planet’s blue heart, yet we are protecting only a fraction of it. We can do better. Help establish a network of protected areas by creating a strong community of people who care.
Click here to read about our current Kickstarter campaign to support Dr. Sylvia Earle’s new book, “Blue Hope,” a crowd-sourced project to bring ocean awareness to the world.