Ocean conservation is the process of protecting and conserving the marine ecosystem. For adequate marine protection and preservation to occur, ocean debris that pollutes the waters must be reduced. Some of the most notable human activities that affect the oceans include overfishing, pollution, whaling, and direct oil spillages. Though ocean conservation programs date back many years, the initiatives have not been given the attention and concentration they deserve. The first-ever marine protected area is the Fort National Monument in Florida, U.S., around 1935.
Oceans are known to breathe life to the coastal communities, and the marine ecosystem’s health is essential to our planet’s future survival. The world seems to have suddenly awakened and realized the importance of marine conservation. Ocean conservation and protection initiatives are gaining momentum, with numerous individuals, organizations, and government agencies joining the race to salvage and protect the waters.
Darren Fryer, a business graduate, self-taught entrepreneur, and marketer, is one of the many individuals passionate about conserving and protecting the oceans. Driven by his passion and desire for clean and healthy marine ecosystems, he founded the Pro2tect Ocean Conservation Company. With the company, Fryer aims to share his passion with others and work together to protect and conserve the oceans. The company recently conducted a beach clean-up exercise along South Maui, where they salvaged 200lbs of ocean debris. Pro2tect works closely with the Marine Institute in Maui and is planning on a more extensive program to clean the infamous Kamilo beach in a partnership with the Ocean Voyage Institute to guide them on how to handle the deep-sea marine debris. Many other organizations with similar objectives have emerged, and the future for a healthy marine ecosystem seems brighter than ever before. Some of the developments in the sector include;
A. Involvement of Science and Technology
The oceans’ massive size makes it hard for any researcher to fully explore the waters and give a detailed analysis of the discoveries. But with the involvement of technology such as satellite images, accurate and precise data are being used, reducing the gap between the unknown and known oceans. This knowledge will provide an avenue for further scientific research on ocean conservation, leading to informed well organized, and coordinated conservation practices.
B. International Ocean Governance
Various states are coming together through bilateral talks to agree on how they will work together to protect and conserve the oceans. An example, the U.S has entered into a global ocean governance agreement with Canada to protect the Arctic through restricted marine areas. The ocean is so massive for anyone to face it alone, and the global ocean governance strategies will boost conservation practices through the joint unity of purpose.
C. Increased Attention
Everyone seems to be concerned with oceanic problems all of a sudden. Many people are rushing to participate and ensure they play a role in marine conservation. This is likely to translate to more funds from donors and governments being availed to fund the energy conservation programs.
With the future of ocean conservation looking bright, with dedicated companies such as Pro2tect, we can be certain of healthy oceans free of pollution and full of life. Clean beaches with sparkling coral reefs full of multi-colored diverse fish species, a sight everyone would love to see. But this comes at a price; we must first apply effective science-based ocean conservation practices to rescue the current situation and achieve a sustainable healthy marine ecosystem.
