Question

What behaviors are most important to change to improve conservation of the ocean?

Answer 1

It is important to always be aware of your impact and involvement in and around the water. Careful to not add unwanted waste or spillage including drains that lead to the ocean. If everyone did thier part it would make a positive impact.

Answer 2

Integrated comprehensive approach. Responsible water treatment (sewers). No oil drilling. Proper disposal of garbage, including all plastic. Responsible legal fishing (limits, no long lining).

Answer 3

The behavior of believing that there is no impact by only one person, meaning too often people think that they as one person will not make an impact on the ocean because of its size. I think that behavior needs to change so that every individual believes they can make a difference if they change their behaviors. Reducing the use of plastics can have a big impact if one person, one family, one street would do it. Managing your household water, particularly if you live in a coastal area can have a huge impact by reducing the fertilizers and other pollutants that reach the coast from your lawns and driveways. One person can make a difference.

Answer 4

Taking responsibility!  Clean up after yourself.  Whatever you take to the beach or on your boat, bring it back and dispose of it properly.  I don't care if you are on vacation and don't feel like cleaning up after yourself.  Be responsible.  Teach your kids to be responsible.  Be a positive role model.  I cannot tell you how many times I've be scuba diving, snorkeling, paddle boarding, kayaking or enjoying the beach and end up picking up trash.  Every beach vacation, my kids and I walk the beach and pick up trash just before going to bed every night.  You would be amazed at the amount of trash we pick up.  Please clean up after yourself.