Conserving our oceans begins with education
Our lives depend on their health, Elaine Leung says.
We’re so lucky to live in one of the most beautiful cities in the world, thanks in large part to the Pacific Ocean right at our doorstep.
Ask yourself: Why do you love the ocean? Why is the ocean important to you?
On World Oceans Day on June 8, it’s a good time to remember we’re all connected to the oceans no matter where we live — and to step back and evaluate how we’re really doing when it comes to the sustainability of our environment.
Around eight billion kilograms of plastic garbage enters our oceans each year. This is a big problem for marine life, but also for humans because plastic never completely breaks down. Plastic breaks up into smaller and smaller pieces, absorbing toxins along the way and getting eaten by animals. Ultimately these plastics and toxins end up in the seafood on our plates.
Human impacts on our ecosystems are clear. I’ve been a marine biologist for the past 15 years, and more than 30 of the endangered species I’ve researched or interacted with will go extinct in my lifetime.
It’s not just marine life at risk — it’s the health of us and our future generations. Oceans cover more than 70 per cent of our planet and produce more than half our oxygen. Oceans control weather and temperature. It’s simple: No oceans, no us.
It’s not just marine life at risk — it’s the health of us and our future generations.
Established by the UN in 2009, World Oceans Day encourages protection of our waterways, ocean waters and habitat. The idea was proposed by the Canadian government years before, highlighting our progressive approach to environmental conservation and the importance we place in our water resources.
So, how can Canadians do a better job of conserving our ocean environment?
There are several small but meaningful changes we can make in our daily routines, like washing our clothes less. This not only saves water, it reduces microfibre (tiny plastic fibres in synthetic clothes) pollution that can enter and harm the ocean ecosystem. Or consider reducing single-use plastics like straws and bags, which can end up in our oceans and look like food to marine wildlife. Almost half the planet’s sea turtles and seabird species have ingested some form of plastic.
One place we can start these ripples of change is with our children, who will inherit the oceans. They often have strong connections to the outdoors and quickly embrace new information with their inquisitive natures. Unfortunately, ocean conservation education is lacking in the B.C. school system, especially in terms of practical application and illustrating sustainable actions that impact our waterways.
Sea Smart was created to fill this critical need. Based in Vancouver, it offers experiential, science-based school programs, after-school programs and summer camps about ocean issues and ways we can help. These programs help youth from kindergarten to Grade 12 connect with our oceans through interactive workshops and field trips. What better place to instil curiosity and love of the ocean than at the beach?
Sea Smart also encourages local companies to promote sustainable practices and foster deeper connections with the environment. For example, the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, which manages the lands and waters of the Port of Vancouver, operates several environmental programs addressing issues related to water quality and protection of marine wildlife. It also offers educational programs for students Grades 4 to 6 through its Discovery Centre, providing information on sustainable usage of our waterways and the importance of environmental stewardship from the private sector.
This World Oceans Day, let’s take a cue from our children. As I’m reminded daily by the amazement in our students’ faces, education is the first step toward ocean conservation.
I encourage everyone to learn more about our oceans and the critical role they play in our lives; the challenges they face and simple solutions we can take; and the impact of our actions today on the environment of tomorrow.