Ocean Love

Credit: Jayne Jenkins - Ocean Image Bank

In case you missed it – yesterday was World Ocean Day! But I figure every day should be World Ocean Day, right? (Or maybe alternate between Earth Day and Ocean Day.)

Like most of you, I find being near the ocean magical. Whether I’m walking the beach, kayaking, sailing, or body surfing, the sound and the feel of the ocean always bring a deep peace. It’s an instinctive knowing, recognizing the source of life – the amazing marine ecosystem that produces more than half of our oxygen and absorbs more than 90% of the excess heat we generate.

Not only does the ocean help keep us mentally and physically healthy, it also supports our economy. The US ocean economy produces over $280 billion in goods and services. So protection of the oceans is a critical investment in our future – and there’s good news on that front! International efforts towards conserving 30% of our oceans by 2030 recently reached a milestone of 10.01% of ocean area now officially designated as within protected and conserved areas! That’s an increase of more that 15 percent in the past two years. We still have a way to go in the next 4 years to reach the 30% goal, but we’re headed in the right direction!

Credit: The Ocean Agency

If you love walking the beach, playing in the surf, being out on the open water, or just enjoying your favorite seafood, you can help preserve these things for future generations. One simple way is to support organizations dedicated to ocean conservation – here’s a link to ten of them! Or if you have more time than money, here are other ways you can help.

Being near the ocean may make you feel small (in a good way). But like the sands on the beach, together we are amazing. Remember – we’re all in this together.

Credit: Ishan Hassan / Ocean Image Bank