Marin Voice: Considering the importance of sustaining sea life, we need to be aware of our actions 

Earth’s oceans cover roughly 70% of the surface. Beneath the mesmerizing surface, marine life is being captured by nets, traps and other human-made hazards. In the process of struggling to escape, many life forms are harmed or suffocate.

Unfortunately, this isn’t a rare occurrence. Over 100,000 animals are victims to entanglement or the consumption of plastic litter in the ocean per year. Adding on, with the acceleration of industrial activity due to technological advancements, pollution and habitat destruction continue to harm the environment. This puts all marine life at risk and can disrupt the delicate balance of marine ecosystems.

This isn’t just about saving animals, it’s also about protecting humanity. The ocean’s health directly relates to survival and health of humankind. The ocean provides 15% of the animal protein the population consumes. It contributes ingredients for other foods as well. Additionally, the ocean also provides a living to roughly 3 billion people, whether through tourism, fishing or the maritime industry.

Annually, more than 10 million tons of caught fish are wasted. This problem is made worse with bycatch, in which other sea life and mammals are accidentally caught or entangled within nets and traps. These unfortunate catches are typically released back into the water injured or dead. Harmful practices like that endanger species and threaten the stability of food chains. Over time, this loss of species diversity will lead to irreversible damage.

The urgency of preserving ocean life cannot be overstated. Earth’s oceans are facing severe consequences due to human actions.

First of all, ocean acidification and rising temperatures lead to deterioration of coral reefs, resulting in species losing their homes. The continuation of this issue will end with the loss of habitat provided by coral reefs. As coral reefs get weaker and break off, many fish lose their homes and hiding spots from predators, making it more difficult to survive. Additionally, this will hurt the food chain, which depends on a balance of creatures. Protecting coastal shores not only assists the marine ecosystem, but for people as well.

Many significant benefits come from saving primary bodies of water and marine animals. Some of these include keeping jobs for those who make a living from the ocean, climate regulation, increasing biodiversity and a large amount of the food that people consume. The ocean functions as the Earth’s most effective carbon sink, absorbing nearly one-third of carbon-dioxide emissions. This helps reduce extreme weather patterns and impacts of climate change.

Fortunately, there are numerous ways to assist with protecting the ocean and sea life. Some methods include beach cleanups, reducing waste and pollution, respecting the habitat and more. Additionally, reducing single-use plastic items and properly disposing of trash will also decrease the amount of waste that ends up in local waters. Supporting eco-friendly businesses influences better industry practices. On top of that, educating others about the importance of environmentally responsible behavior and marine ecosystem protection can also result in long-term impacts.

If people learn about how their simple everyday actions greatly affect the ocean, they are more likely to switch to better choices.

The best part is, if everyone contributes (even just a little) the outcome can be extremely successful. When people and communities take action – even if it’s the simplest thing such as buying less plastic items, refusing to use plastic straws or supporting sustainable businesses – they become part of the solution. When everybody joins together as a team the impact is even greater.

Protecting sea life is not just about the animals, it’s also about saving our home. Preserving ecosystems, preserving the gift that earth has provided to us. If people take action now, it will make it possible for other generations to see the beauty of marine life.

Corte Madera residents Kamilla Bashirova and Dahlia Kakar are students at Redwood High School.