Our oceans are our lifelines
When we look at the Earth from the moon or a place even further out in our universe, the entire planet looks blue. That is because about two-thirds of its surface is covered with water, mostly held in our oceans. But our seas not only define the look of our planet, they are also the world´s largest ecosystem, home to innumerable unexplored species. Our oceans are full of unsolved mysteries.
Our waters shape how all living creatures inhabit the earth. Without bodies of water like the oceans, humans would not have sufficient air to breathe, as the phytoplankton, the microscopic marine algae found on their surfaces, produces at least 50 per cent of the oxygen in the atmosphere.
Phytoplankton contain chlorophyll, just like plants, and can therefore photosynthesise, produce and maintain the oxygen content of the Earth’s atmosphere, and supply most of the energy necessary for life on this planet. This minute life form can produce new oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide, one of the leading greenhouse gases whose over-abundance in our atmosphere has dangerous effects on our climate.
We rely on the oceans for transportation and to unwind and enjoy various activities such as diving, sailing, or swimming. Seawater is one of the main sources of animal protein and creates millions of jobs from fishing to marine biology.
Therefore, we must protect our oceans. Plastic waste endangers marine species and pollutes our coasts, threatening coastal life and jobs. Pollution affects tourism and fish stocks, eliminating those industries in the long run. Climate change and the rise in general water temperature alter the habitats of many life forms and decrease the oceans’ ability to store and produce oxygen. The result might be a surge of carbon dioxide emissions that can exacerbate the effects of climate change.
At The Association for Community Awareness (ASCOA), we are committed to protecting our oceans. Our environmental protection projects have raised awareness about plastic pollution in Cameroon’s South West region. Through our coastal clean-ups, we prevent litter from streaming further out into the ocean, where marine animals can swallow it and get poisoned. As consumers of seafood, our health can also be affected. Every year ASCOA joins Ocean Conservancy and the international community to commemorate International Coastal Clean-up Day. In 2019, we collected more than 70 tonnes of plastic from Limbe’s beaches.
We will continue our efforts to sensitise our communities about the damaging effects of rubbish and plastic pollution on our beaches because, by protecting our oceans, we save lives.