Question

What challenges do we face today for our oceans conservation?

Answer 1

I think it is getting people to really care about it, a lot of people never really deal with the ocean, so it is hard to get those people to care about it. I think social media has helped with getting the word out, but people do not really care about it if it does not harm them. I have worked doing research with Darters in freshwater, and 9 out of 10 people do not know anything about them, so we just got to keep on working and spreading the word.

Answer 2

Education...education...and then more education. We must get the word out to the more casual users of the ocean. By that I mean the beachgoers who have vacationed there for years but have no idea about what's in the water they swim in, how to be safe while swimming, and how to recognize when it may not be a good idea to go in the water (like tons of bait in the surf). People have simply gone to the beach and never looked at the ocean, especially the younger generation that has lived with the protection of regulations that we fought hard for back in the 70's and 80's. They need to realize what beaches looked like with trash on them, ocean water closures due to pollution, and what impacts things like offshore oil will bring (not just big spills). They need to get away from the NIMBY attitude..its NOT IN MY BACKYARD..so don't worry about it.

Answer 3

Non-biodegradable plastic anything

Answer 4

As stated, education is key. Unfortunately many people do not seem to care, period but to the extent people's eyes can be opened and they can get engaged, even in a small way, the might enjoy the community aspect and want to do even more. I try to do that with high school and college students with my org, FutureFrogmen.