How Your Daily Choices Can Help Save Marine Life

Noise pollution, also known as "acoustic smog," is endangering our already fragile marine life. This noise comes from offshore oil drilling, military sonar and the shipping industry. In addition to the increased amount of noise, CO2 emissions are causing the oceans to become more acidic and raising the temperature of the water, which in turn allows sound to travel farther. Cetaceans (whales, dolphins and porpoises) communicate with each other through "song," over hundreds, even thousands, of miles. This is how they find mates and alert others to food sources. With the increased amount of noise, they are now having trouble hearing each other and are attempting to scream over the noise. Needless to say, this is causing a great deal of stress amongst the animals. The high-pitched sounds are painful and cause confusion. Mothers and calves become separated, pod members lose each other and the animals are unable to locate their breeding grounds. Many are even going deaf, which almost always leads to death. And disturbingly, marine mammals are increasingly beaching themselves as they flee from the sounds. Not only are Cetaceans affected, but sea lions, walruses, manatees, sea turtles, cephalopods, shellfish, numerous other species of fish...and the list goes on...

What can you do to help? The first step is making conscious choices. Purchasing local products decreases the amount of items being shipped across the oceans, which in turn decreases oil usage, decreases CO2 emissions and the amount of cargo ships on the water. Purchasing products in bulk or with minimal packaging also lessons oil usage and CO2 emissions. Practicing the three R's, reducing, reusing and recycling, choosing to walk, ride a bike, take public transportation or purchase an environmentally responsible vehicle will all also play a part in curbing this probable disaster. A breakdown in our marine ecosystems creates a breakdown in all ecosystems and jeopardizes human survival. Literally, every purchase you make and most of your decisions throughout the day can lead to a healthier ocean. We also encourage you to contact your representatives in congress to let them know your concerns, put pressure on corporations to make conscious choices and sign this petition sponsored by Care2.com. Imagine the potential impact if we all take action and make better choices. Imagine the impact if we don't...