Already decided in 1992 at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, World Ocean Day was officially launched by the UNO on 8 June 2009. The aim is to draw attention to the current challenges in the field of ocean protection. After all, the oceans are important for food, health, climate change and the continuation of all life.
Associations and institutions are actively engaged in protecting our oceans, but you as a seafarer can also contribute. Are you wondering how you can make your sea life more sea-friendly? We would like to give you a few suggestions in the following article.
1. Do not dispose of rubbish when at sea
When you are at sea and enjoying the beauty that the sea offers you, please make sure that no rubbish ends up in the sea. Dispose of rubbish in the appropriate waste containers when you return ashore.
2. Get involved in marine clean-up projects
Marine conservation organisations and clubs organise beach clean-up events or give workshops on plastic-free living. A step in the right direction would be to join “The Ocean Clean-up” or participate in the annual “International Coastal Clean-up”.
We would like to ask you to always keep your eyes open and do your bit. When you arrive on the mainland, you can pick up litter while walking along the beach coast. In this way, not only are you doing something good for our Mother Nature, but in the best case scenario, you are also encouraging others to do the same.
3. Go for reusable products
It is high time to reduce plastic waste. A plastic bottle breaks into a thousand pieces, which pollutes our oceans even more. It takes 100 to 1000 years for this bottle to decompose. Through our carelessness – consciously or unconsciously – we are polluting our planet and at the same time not giving it room to regenerate. Using your own carrier bag for shopping, using reusable bottles on board your boat, and making sure your shopping is as plastic-free as possible are just a few suggestions that are easy to implement.
4. Treat underwater creatures with respect
Underwater creatures and spaces are reminiscent of a beautiful painting. When snorkelling, you can enjoy their beauty. Our appeal: do not interfere with underwater habitats, as touching them can quickly endanger and destroy them.
5. Wait until the sun cream is absorbed
Conventional sun creams contain chemicals that can destroy entire coral reefs even in small doses. Therefore, we advise you to wait until the sunscreen is completely absorbed. At the end of the day, sunscreen made from natural cosmetics is still the best choice, as it is for the environment, so it is for your own health!
6. Cooking on board instead of fast food and “to go”
Who doesn’t know it? You have to be quick and run to the nearest restaurant to get something “to go”. Just remember that fast food causes a lot of waste and does not contribute much to a balanced diet. Cooking on board your boat, on the other hand, can be good for your health, your wallet and nature. Use ingredients that last, are filling and taste good. Check out what’s on offer locally – the local fish, fruit and vegetable markets in every coastal village or town always have good, fresh food. It’s part of the Croatian culture!
