CO₂ is not only the main cause of climate warming but it is also harming the oceans and seas. This is why we need to reduce carbon dioxide emissions in every possible way. There are many actions to counter this very serious threat, and among the many remedies, perhaps the most effective consist in reducing the use of fossil fuels and adopting and using more renewable and clean energy sources.

The care of our seas and oceans also depends on our diet: a diet based on fish is certainly good for our health and our palate too, but before we sit down to eat, let’s remember that many fish species are now depleted due to wild and illegal fishing practices: thus it is more responsible to choose from producers who respect the rules and adopt a sustainable practices.

With embarrassing indifference and disregard for the health of our environment, every year millions of tonnes of plastic are discharged and thrown into the sea instead of being diligently collected and recycled. Using reusable items such as for example glass bottles, storing leftover lunch and using durable and reusable shopping bags are just three of the many simple actions to our disposal in order to greatly reduce the dispersion of plastic into our environment and thus reducing this serious problem: at the end all we need is just a little good sense.

Let’s enjoy all the forms of relaxation that a holiday at the sea can offer while all using common sense in respecting the environment and nature that surround and welcome us. Let us try not to interfere with marine wildlife and the environment during our activities: for example, let us avoid removing rocks, sand, corals and shells that so embellish the landscape and let us try to keep the beaches clean by collecting rubbish and encouraging other tourists to do the same and, during a boat trip, let us not throw the rubbish we accumulate.

Snorkelling, fascinating scuba diving, rowing, surfing, windsurfing, kayaking, sailing or motor boat trips, water skiing and much, much more: the sea offers the possibility of enjoying many sporting activities in contact with nature.

Let’s have fun and practice our favourite sports while taking all the necessary precautions to avoid accidents and injuries but, at the same time, we need to avoid harming the nature itself, for instance, avoiding losing our equipment in the water, such as fins or diving glasses while, during a boat trip near the coasts, remain careful of bathers and marine life and habitat avoiding sailing and diving in prohibited or protected areas.

Regrettably many products derived from marine fauna and habitats such as earrings, bracelets and necklaces made from turtle shells or coral are sold in local markets and shops. Avoiding buying these kinds of products surely represents a noble aim in order to safeguard marine nature.

Whenever we buy food for our four-legged friends, we’d better check the label and the contents of the product we are buying (origin, type of processing, type of ingredients used and expiry date) and, when we buy feed with a fish diet, we should remember the sustainability of seafood.

Instead, if our friend is a cat, never throw cat litter in the sewage because it may contain pathogens that are very harmful to marine life.

There are several public and private organizations and institutes which focus on oceans’ protection matters: research them and contribute to their cause and take some time to spread the word about the noble efforts of these organizations, which are usually funded by local governments. In any case, in our community, we can run campaigns to raise even small funds to donate to these institutions.

Contact with administrators and political representatives of coastal localities, such as the mayor or town councillors, to explain our intentions for organizing local initiatives and events to support marine habitat conservation projects.

If possible, also engage sports and entertainment celebrities to participate in these public events: the scope is to « capture » and raise public attention, interest and awareness. These kinds of initiatives also help to boost the tourism sector and the beauty of our coastal community.

Life in the oceans is inextricably linked to life on land, after all, it is from water that life is widespread! Therefore, knowing the marine life system helps to better understand the terrestrial life system.

Knowing the dangers and threats affecting oceans and seas helps to raise awareness of how important it is to protect all natural habitats: we must share this important knowledge to educate and inspire especially our young generations.