June 5, 2019

Five Ways to Help Protect Our Oceans

By WT Staff Sydney Dillon and Jenny Gowan

Global Community & Conservation Travel Tips & Inspiration

Colorful coral reef with vibrant pink and orange corals, small yellow fish swimming around, and a moray eel peeking out from its crevice under the clear blue ocean water—a true testament to why we must protect our oceans.

1. Use reef-safe sunscreen

Infographic explaining how sunscreen chemicals enter the environment, their effects on marine life including fish, coral, dolphins, and mussels, and how to protect ourselves and marine life from harm. Join us in Ocean Protection efforts to safeguard these precious ecosystems.

Even if you are not swimming in the ocean, harmful chemicals from sunscreen can wash off of your skin in the shower and into our waterways, where they eventually make their way into the ocean and wreak havoc on marine life.

Key West, Hawaii, and Palau have already passed legislation banning the sale of sunscreen products containing oxybenzone and octinoxate. While no sunscreen is 100% reef safe, do your best to avoid these chemical sunscreens, and instead opt for non-nano zinc oxide based lotions.

2. Cut down on single-use plastics

Infographic titled "What can you do?" with tips including using reusable bags, buying unpackaged food, avoiding single-use plastic, using reusable straws, and advocating for plastic regulations to protect our oceans. #CleanSeas UN Environment.

About 90% of plastic has never been recycled, according to a U.N. report released in 2018. Many of our recycling facilities are so overwhelmed with material that they cannot actually recycle it, and it ends up in landfills. In California alone, about $25 million is spent each year to dispose of plastic waste in landfills. Some of it also makes its way to our rivers, and eventually to the oceans, where it breaks down into tiny micro-fragments. Microplastics, those less than five millimeters in length, are the most common form of “marine debris” found in the world’s oceans and lakes.

According to the U.N., at least 51 trillion microplastic particles are found in the ocean—500 times more than stars in our galaxy! These can be ingested by fishes and mammals, and even make their way back to us when we consume seafood.

3. Join a WT trip to support sustainable tourism in the marine environment

Aerial view of a turquoise lagoon surrounded by lush, green forested hills, featuring a small boat anchored near an island cluster. This serene image highlights the critical need to protect our oceans.

Experiencing the beauty of the world’s oceans first-hand is the best way to develop a greater appreciation for this varied ecosystem and share that knowledge with others. Our trips include adventures in the Galápagos, Raja Ampat, Vanuatu, Palau, Tonga, Alaska, and Baja.

See all WT snorkeling adventures

4. Use products with natural and biodegradable ingredients

Dr. Bronner’s comes in liquid and bar form, is environmentally friendly, and can be used as body soap, shampoo, and hand soap. We also like Wilderness Wash, Campsuds, and Acure Organics Biodegradable wipes. In general, avoid products with phosphate, surfactants, triclosan, and antibacterial ingredients. Other environmentally friendly brands include Honest Company, Badger, Raw Elements, and Alba Botanica, and are found in most sporting goods stores and drugstores.

5. Get involved

Two people are measuring a small shark with a tape measure in shallow water near the shoreline, showcasing their commitment to ocean conservation.

Participate in waterway and coastal cleanups, help plant baby corals, volunteer, and donate to efforts protecting the oceans. Since all rivers and streams end up in the ocean, even inland and mountain dwellers make a difference. If you don’t know where to start, visit WorldOceansDay.org to find or host an event near you on June 8th.

A scuba diver wearing a mask and snorkel observes a large, spiky Crown-of-Thorns starfish on a coral reef underwater, highlighting the importance of ocean conservation to protect our oceans.