In brief
This Monday 8 June 2020 is World Ocean Day. It is an opportunity for us to talk to you about this natural space which is so dear to us but which, day by day, is more and more in danger!
The ocean covers nearly 3/4 of the surface of our planet. It is practically the lung of the earth as it produces between 50 to 75 of the oxygen!
We owe it to ourselves and the earth to take care of the aquatic environment and to participate in raising awareness of this incredible yet endangered part of the world.
WHY WE LOVE THE OCEAN AND MARINE ENVIRONMENT
We’re sure it’s the same for you, but here at Wildsuits we have an unconditional love for the ocean. Every time we spend time in the sea, be it for surfing, bodyboarding, kitesurfing, windsurfing, wakeboarding, SUPing or even a simple swim, we feel ourselves coming to life and entirely re-energised. Our wellbeing and balance is dictated by the water and her waves, and it is an essential part of our lives.
Indeed, as you know, the ocean is in danger, and the animal species that inhabit it are also at risk. Human activity has profoundly altered the oceanic ecosystem.
AFTER MAN, COMES PLASTIC
Plastic is one of the largest causes of ocean pollution. According to UNESCO, plastic pollution kills more than a million seabirds and more than 100,000 marine mammals – therefore the impact of plastic is exceptionally disruptive to the ocean environment.
Moreover, data from TV5 Monde suggests there are more than 1,800 billion pieces of plastic in our oceans and seas. A large part of this has agglomerated to form across an area of more than 3.5 million km2 (more than 6 times the surface area of France and 1/3 of the surface area of Europe!), the equivalent of a 7th continent. This is called The Continent of Plastic and is located in the Pacific Ocean, affecting almost 300 species of marine life.
POST-QUARANTINE: THE PROBLEM WITH MASKS AND GLOVES…
Although the wearing of masks, as recommended by our governments and health professionals, is essential to contain the COVID-19 epidemic, they have already become a major problem in our oceans. Indeed, even during our last session in the water we discovered more and more masks and gloves washed up and littering our beautiful beaches. By not disposing of your face mask or plastic gloves responsibly you are imposing a real danger on marine life and the ocean itself.
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OTHER THREATS TO THE OCEAN
Sadly, we could write a book about everything that can pollute the oceans, the marine environment and the beaches. For example, the discharge of untreated sewage, composed of pesticides and other chemicals, also threatens our seas.
Similarly, oil and other hydrocarbons pose a significant problem for the marine environment. Every year, ships carrying these products suffer accidents and cause oil spills, resulting in devastating black tides. These oil spills lead to a considerable loss of marine fauna and flora. One notable example is the latest major oil spill in Brazil in 2019, which spread over more than 2000 kilometers of coastline. According to Wikipedia, it is estimated that it will take 20 to 30 years for the situation to return to normal...
HOW CAN WE PROTECT THE OCEAN?
As surfers and ocean-sports enthusiasts, we are on the front lines and it is purely through awareness and action that we will protect the well-being of our oceans.
To save the seas, it is absolutely necessary that each and every one of us acts. There are many small actions that can be taken on a daily basis. For example:
- Limit your waste and recycle properly.
- Collect at least three pieces of rubbish every time you’re at the beach.
- Pick up your cigarette butts and litter whilst you are chilling out at the beach.
- Participate in beach cleans.
- Consume less but consume better with more sustainable and and eco-responsible products. des produits plus durables et écoresponsable.
- Raise awareness amongst your loved ones!
If you have other ideas on how to preserve the oceans, please don’t hesitate to contact us on Facebook, Instagram or by email to discuss them with us!
Until then, enjoy World Ocean Day and your sessions in the water.
FIGHT FOR OUR PLANET!
