Happy Earth Day! As divers, it's a given that we LOVE the ocean and all the marine life in it! But as the years go by, it's been heartbreaking to see many famous and loved dive sites, like the Great Barrier Reef, slowly decline in health and beauty. You may find yourself asking, "is this reversible?" "What can I do to help?"
There are many ways we, as divers, can help preserve and even restore these watery places that we love, it just takes a little effort; like reading our article on how to cut down on plastic. Or, follow these 5 things you can do at home to save our oceans. BUT, probably the most effective thing we can do is to financially support non-profit organizations that are there day in and day out working on both a public and political level to save and protect our oceans. To help you decide where to best put your money to work, we've come up with this list of what we think are some of the best marine/ocean conservation non-profits to give to.
Our top 8 favorite Marine Conservation Organizations:
1. Oceana
Oceana seeks to make our oceans more biodiverse and abundant by winning policy victories in the countries that govern much of the world's marine life. This non-profit gets a lot done the hard way....by changing policy and regulations. They make lasting change happen.
This non-profit is working hard to see that the ocean's most extraordinary places are preserved for future generations to use and enjoy. They use sound, science-based decisions that will lead to innovative, sustainable solutions, and strive to create a healthy ocean where life continues to nurture and sustain all of us, regardless of where we live.
3. Sea Shephard Conservation Society
Sea Shephard aims to end the destruction of habitat and slaughter of wildlife in the world's oceans in order to conserve and protect ecosystems and species. They use innovative direct-action tactics to investigate, document, and take action when necessary to expose and confront illegal activities on the high seas. By safeguarding the biodiversity of our delicately-balanced ocean ecosystems, Sea Shepherd works to ensure their survival for future generations.
Working with people around the world—from fishermen to government leaders, divers to scientists, Californians to Fijians—the Coral Reef Alliance protects our most valuable and threatened ecosystem. We lead holistic conservation programs that improve coral reef health and resilience and are replicated across the globe.
5. Coral Restoration Foundation
This foundation works to restore our coral reefs, educating others on the importance of our oceans, and using science to further research and monitoring techniques. They are dedicated to creating offshore nurseries and restoration programs for threatened coral species, allowing them to take the lead in innovative nursery and restoration techniques that are implemented worldwide.
Project AWARE is a global movement of scuba divers protecting our ocean planet – one dive at a time. Focused on the critical issues of Sharks in Peril and Marine Debris, Project AWARE empowers thousands to work together for a clean, healthy and abundant ocean planet.
The Nature Conservancy aims to conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends. Every acre they protect, every river mile restored, every species brought back from the brink, begins with us. They are probably one of the oldest, most know, and respected conservation organization.
WWF has been protecting the future of nature for 50 years. They are the world’s leading conservation organization, working in 100 countries and supported by more than one million members in the United States and close to five million globally. WWF's unique way of working combines global reach with a foundation in science, involves action at every level from local to global, and ensures the delivery of innovative solutions that meet the needs of both people and nature.
With SO many awesome options to donate your time and money to, you are sure to find an organization where you can help make a difference. Now get out and save our oceans! Happy Earth Day from Underseas Scuba Center!
