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Our planet is blue for a reason. Covering over 70% of Earth's surface, the ocean is more than a vast expanse of water it is the lifeblood of our planet. It produces over half of the oxygen we breathe, regulates global temperatures, absorbs carbon dioxide, and supports the livelihoods of more than three billion people. But today, our oceans are under siege.
Pollution and Plastic: A Deadly Mix
Every year, an estimated 8 - 12 million tons of plastic waste ends up in the ocean. From microplastics in fish to entire islands of floating garbage, pollution is choking marine ecosystems. Sea turtles mistake plastic bags for jellyfish. Seabirds feed plastic to their chicks. Even humans now consume microplastics through seafood and drinking water.
Overfishing: Emptying the Seas
Nearly 90% of the world's fish stocks are fully exploited or overfished. Industrial fishing techniques destroy not just target species but also countless other marine creatures as bycatch. If trends continue, the fish on your plate could soon be a luxury.
Climate Change: Heating the Deep
The ocean absorbs over 90% of excess heat from climate change, leading to rising temperatures and acidification. Coral reefs are bleaching and dying. Melting polar ice is disrupting ocean currents and threatening coastal communities with rising sea levels.
Why We Must Act Now ?
The ocean doesn't just support marine life it supports all life. If we lose the ocean, we lose the fight against climate change, food insecurity, and biodiversity loss. But there is hope.
We can:
- Reduce single-use plastics
- Choose sustainable seafood
- Support marine protected areas
- Educate others about ocean conservation
The crisis is real. The time is now.
- Project Blue
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