OCEANS OF OPTIMISM: HAPPY WORLD OCEANS DAY!

Published on Jun 07 2018

Photo by: Alisha Posta (divebuddiesforlife.com)

Happy World Oceans Day! Today is a great day to celebrate the big blue and reflect on its importance.

The ocean is important to all life on Earth. For example, it provides oxygen that we need to breathe. Every other breath that we take comes from the ocean, thanks to tiny plant-like organisms called phytoplankton that produce oxygen as a by-product of photosynthesis. Seafood is an important source of protein for people across the globe and fisheries are fundamental to the livelihood of millions, particularly those living in coastal communities. In Nova Scotia, the ocean is important to the livelihood of many people. In fact, 1 in 5 jobs are connected to the ocean. On top of all of this, the ocean is an important component of many cultures and a source of both relaxation and recreation, something we are very familiar with here in Canada’s Ocean Playground. World-renowned marine biologist, Sylvia Earle summed this up nicely, “No water, no life. No blue, no green.”

Much of the news is populated by the doom and gloom of the planet. However, scattered among this news are stories of hope and ocean optimism. It’s these stories and the creatures, people, communities and organizations behind them, that can help to keep our heads up when the state of the world’s oceans may seem overwhelming. In recognition of World Oceans Day, let’s take a look at some examples of why we should be optimistic about the future of the ocean.

A turtlely awesome tale

I’ll start off by sharing one of my favourite (relatively) recent stories of ocean optimism. Versova Beach in Mumbai, India was once a dump-yard, polluted with plastic and trash. For years, a group of dedicated volunteers cleaned this beach. Actually, the United Nations is calling it the “world’s largest beach cleanup project”. These efforts paid off this past March as hatchlings from a vulnerable sea turtle species were spotted on this beach for the first time in decades. This story showcases the power of collective action and our ability to create a better future for the ocean and the species that live there. (Photo from phys.org)

A marine protected area for Nova Scotia’s Eastern Shore

Here in Nova Scotia, with the recent announcement of the Eastern Shore Islands as an area of interest for a future MPA, we have an opportunity to do coastal protection properly. In order for this proposed MPA to be successful, it must work for wildlife and for the people who live there. One example, one win-win scenario is if the MPA can stop open-pen finfish aquaculture farms from being established here, but still allow for the existing inshore lobster fishery. If done properly, it would set a powerful precedent for future coastal MPAs across Canada.

Kids often say it best

“We should help the oceans because I would like my nephews to enjoy the oceans like I do right now, so please protect the oceans for me and the next generation.”

Recently, CPAWS-NS worked with a fantastic group of students at a local school. We’ll be sharing some of their posts soon. When ocean issues can see complicated or overwhelming, it’s useful to pause and reflect on the wisdom of the younger generation.

CPAWS-NS is optimistic that we can turn the tide and create a brighter future for the ocean. I hope you are too.

Best fishes,

Meghan