Being aware of threats to our ocean is the first step towards making a difference. Here are simple, effective ways to learn more and help protect this precious resource.

1. Be a voice for the ocean.

Learn about the threats to our marine environments and how you can make a difference. Then let your classmates, neighbors and elected officials know. Our free e-newsletters provide the latest ocean news, from information about marine research to sustainable seafood. If you would like your voice to be heard or know someone who is dedicated to a healthier ocean, please tell us. We might feature you or your suggested champion as an Ocean Voice.

2. Take a book to the beach and support SeaWeb.

Need a suggestion for your summer reading list? Visit our ocean-themed gift store. Buy a book, or any item, through our links to Amazon.com or GoodShop and SeaWeb will receive a contribution every time you make a purchase.

3. Be a responsible ocean visitor.

If you are fishing, don’t leave nets, fishing hooks, boating equipment or any debris behind. Don’t harass wildlife. If you are swimming, diving or snorkeling, wear only ocean-friendly sunscreen, or better yet, sun-protective clothing. Avoid standing on corals, as reefs can take decades to rebuild once damaged. Some coral species have been severely depleted to meet the high demand to convert them into jewelry or home décor. So instead of buying items made of real corals, purchase those that are coral inspired. To learn more about how you can help corals, check out our latest program, Too Precious to Wear.

4. Protect our waters from your home.

Use natural fertilizers sparingly, pick up pet waste from lawns and fix oil leaks in your vehicle to prevent runoff pollution. Also, use phosphate-free detergents as well as nontoxic cleaning and personal products and don’t flush any medicines or other environmentally harmful chemicals, as everything that goes down our drains and pipes eventually can end up in our ocean.

5. Host a beach cleanup party.

In fact, take a garbage bag with you every time you visit the shore so you can pick up any trash you find. By recycling a plastic bag and other trash you help protect sea turtles and marine mammals that mistake these items for food or get tangled in them and drown.

6. Conserve water.

Use low-flow showerheads, faucets and toilettes, take shorter showers and repair leaky faucets. Rain barrels or other containers can catch rain running off your roof that can then be used to water your lawn and garden.

7. Refuse, reuse or recycle.

Consider whether you really need something before you buy, buy only environmentally friendly products and recycle as much as possible. Bring your own reusable bags to stores instead of using new plastic ones each time. Find out if your community, school or place of employment has a recycling program and if not, start one. Have too much stuff? Host a garage sale or an arts and crafts day in your neighborhood and donate the proceeds to an organization promoting ocean conservation—such as SeaWeb!

8. Eat sustainable foods.

If you choose to eat seafood, remember to check for labels that indicate your catch of the day is sustainable, such as those from the Marine Stewardship Council. And if you want to know what are some of the Best Choices for your children to eat, see KidSafe Seafood. Or eat at a restaurant that serves sustainable seafood. For examples in your area, visit Seafood Choices Alliance’s Smart Choices list.

9. Reduce your carbon footprint.

Carbon dioxide from the burning of fossil fuels is a significant contributor to global climate change and the warming or our oceans. If driving, be efficient when running errands, maintain your vehicle and keep the tires properly inflated to save gas—it will benefit the Earth as well as your wallet. Use public transportation, share a ride, bike or walk whenever possible. Use energy-saving light bulbs such as compact florescent bulbs (CFLs) and light-emitting diodes (LEDs), and if you use CFLs that contain mercury, find proper disposal locations. (For more information, go to the Fight Global Warming campaign.) Offset your carbon usage through companies and organizations that support clean energy such as NativeEnergy or Carbon Fund (see report by Tufts Climate Initiative for more information). Numerous carbon calculators can be found online,, including a new one from University of California, Berkeley, called CoolClimate.

10. Take a picture that’s worth a thousand words.

Contribute photos illustrating ocean issues to our Marine Photobank. Submit to our Ocean in Focus Conservation Photography Contest that begins on World Ocean Day (June 8) and continues through September 30, 2008, and you could win one of our spectacular prizes!