Many of us take the world’s oceans for granted, assuming that they’ve always been there and always will be. But environmental problems are affecting even these massive bodies of water. Fish populations are being decimated. Areas of the ocean floor are being scraped away by unethical and totally unsustainable “fishing.” Beaches are littered with trash. Mercury is building up in the fish we eat. Water pollution from agricultural waste causes hypoxia in huge areas at the mouths of rivers. And giant mass of plastic trash has become a floating, lifeless island called the Pacific Gyre. The list of threats goes on, putting the health of the world’s oceans — and those who rely on them — in jeopardy.
But there are people around the world who are doing their utmost to stop the destruction of our oceans. People who are putting themselves at risk to make the world’s seas a more habitable place for fish and marine animals. People, including youth, who are making a difference by raising funds to support the work of others. People who not only care about the oceans, but also take action. Each one is a hero, though their efforts may be untrumpeted and little known.
Nominate Someone Deserving
But people who are selflessly working to make the oceans a healthier ecosystem deserve recognition for their efforts.
Do you know anyone who is making a difference to the world’s oceans? If you do, here’s an opportunity to nominate him or her for recognition as an “Ocean Hero,” through a competition sponsored by the conservation group Oceana. Nominations will be accepted at the official contest website, Oceana.org/heroes, until April 18, 2010.
Oceana is offering two categories of Ocean Hero Awards this year, one for adults and one for kids under 18 years of age. Both winners will earn a trip to Los Angeles for the “Oceana World Oceans Day with Nautica and GQ,” an event scheduled for June 8.
Oceana CEO Andrew Sharpless said, “This is our chance to honor those — young and old — who do great things for the ocean, but otherwise might not get the recognition they deserve. Not only will we honor the winning ocean heroes, but we will also highlight the wonderful stories of all of our finalists.”
Read the complete story at Blue Planet Green Living.