Saving Our Oceans: A critical problem affecting the oceans worldwide.

#protectthemarinelife #say NO to marine pollution

More than 70% of the surface of the Earth is covered by the ocean, which is also vital in maintaining the climate, providing us with food and oxygen, and sustaining numerous marine lives. However, human activities such as pollution are one of the biggest threats.

Marine pollution is said to be the introduction of any harmful substance that enters the ocean and affects its ecosystems, wildlife, and human health. Types of marine pollution, include plastic pollution, oil spills, and chemical pollutants. Which is caused by land-based activities, offshore industries, shipping, and illegal dumping.

Marine pollution significantly disturbs the fishing industry directly since people worldwide rely heavily on the fishing business for their livelihoods and employment. To address this issue, the fishing industry could implement sustainable practices such as reducing bycatch and implementing sustainable fishing methods.

Biodiversity loss is impacted by marine pollution because the habitat is destroyed because oil spills and chemicals can contaminate the water and cause physical damage to the habitats of marine organisms, and this can lead to the loss of these habitats and the organisms that depend on them. As a result, entire populations of marine organisms can be wiped out.

Biodiversity loss is a significant challenge globally, and Jamaica is not immune to its impacts so, Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement implies a national biodiversity strategy and action plan, to protect areas, and promote sustainable land management practices.

By adopting a system-thinking approach, the fishing industry can develop a comprehensive and sustainable approach to tackling marine pollution. It involves looking at the bigger picture, understanding the interdependence between different elements, and taking a long-term perspective that considers the impact of our actions on future generations. With this approach, we can work towards achieving strong sustainability in the fishing industry and ensure that our oceans remain healthy for generations to come.