At SPE Dive School, with over 50 years of expertise in safe diving, we’re dedicated to finding impactful ways to save our oceans. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or a beginner, explore five essential steps to preserve ocean health and enhance your diving experience.
Reduce Dependence on Plastic
Scientists estimate that the size of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch may cover an area twice the size of Texas or more. Once there, plastic harms birds and sea life that either get tangled up in the trash or mistake it for food and ingest it. It’s estimated that there are millions of tons of plastic floating in our oceans that are swept in from streets, rivers, and storm drains during heavy rains. (It’s not just from throwing trash overboard.) And the problematic plastic isn’t going away any time soon—it takes up to 1,000 years or longer for it to biodegrade.
While recycling is the obvious solution, the best way to reduce plastic consumption is to stop buying bottled water, bring your own travel mug to Starbucks, and cook more often to reduce your use of those takeout containers and plastics. You may even find you’ll be eating a little healthier, too.
Clean Green
Whether you’re washing dishes or scrubbing floors, even if you live far from the coast, whatever goes down your drain can eventually reach the ocean. Skip bleach and harsh chemicals, opting instead for non-toxic cleaners and low-phosphate detergents. High phosphate levels in waterways can trigger algae blooms that deplete oxygen in the water, causing marine life to suffocate and die.
Try using vinegar, baking soda and lemon juice as a safe alternative. (You may even save some money, too).
Consume Safely & Consciously
With over-fishing occurring on a global scale, the idea of “abundant oceans” is becoming a distant memory. And it’s not only fish populations that are declining—each year, billions of unwanted marine animals, from dolphins and sea turtles to seabirds, sharks, and corals, fall victim to illegal and harmful fishing practices.
While giving up seafood is one option, you can still enjoy fish as long as you order options from a sustainable menu. Use the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch guide to figure out what is the safest option.
Join a Beach Cleanup
Even though more people are saying “no” to plastic each year, plastic waste continues to flow into our oceans. Beach cleanups are an effective way for removing plastic debris that wash ashore. Not only that, but beach cleanups also raise awareness when others see them in action. Reach out to your local dive or water sports center to learn about upcoming cleanups near you.
If you don’t live near a beach, consider joining countryside cleanup efforts in your community. Conservation activities are happening everywhere, so look for one nearby. No matter how you choose to help protect our oceans, share your actions with the world! Post about your efforts using #savetheocean, and share any useful tips or tricks you learn.
Learn to Dive
Learning to dive around the world offers a unique perspective. It allows you to witness the impact we have on underwater ecosystems—both positive and negative. With this understanding comes a sense of responsibility and a desire to advocate for the ocean and its inhabitants.
Additionally, diving certifications give you the tools to help protect the ocean from below the surface. Dive shops and clubs worldwide organize regular underwater cleanups, relying on certified divers to remove litter from the seafloor. We protect what we love, and the best way to safeguard the ocean is to fall in love with it. And what better way to do that than by learning to dive? Start your scuba diving certification online today!
