As January comes to a close, some New Years resolutions may have already fallen by the wayside. But in the final weeks of the month,we all need to think about committing to one more resolution:
The resolution to protect the oceans and all its beautiful whales, turtles, tunas and sharks.
I dont need to tell you that the oceans are under threat. Overfishing, pollution and climate change are taking their toll on all ocean creatures. So lets resolve to save them.
We’ve come up with our favorite resolutions for #OceanLovers like us.
Which is your favorite? Let us know in a comment or tweet. And feel free to suggest your own (on Twitter or Instagram, use the hashtag #OceanLovers and Greenpeace willretweet it).
And guess what? Were going to share your responses with UN delegates at a critical meeting this January. Read more and find out why:
7. My #OceanLovers Resolution: Save Mexicos #Vaquita porpoise. There are only 97 left!
My #OceanLovers Resolution: Save Mexicos #Vaquita porpoise. There are only 97 left! http://t.co/sJ3feExYqi pic.twitter.com/tiwL37zdDh
Greenpeace Oceans (@OceansGP) January 8, 2015
With only 97 left, the smallest porpoise in the world is also the most endangered! These little guys live in Mexicos Sea of Cortez and need our protection from destructive fishing. Join 325,000 other #OceanLovers and ask the Mexican government to save the vaquita.
6. My #OceanLovers Resolution: Avoid overfished or destructively caught seafood.
My #OceanLovers Resolution: Avoid overfished or destructively caught seafood. http://t.co/ddsemSpIoh pic.twitter.com/oS1ojtYTJG Greenpeace Oceans (@OceansGP) January 9, 2015
A lot of seafood comes from stocks that are being overfished or are caught using destructive fishing methods. But its easy to avoid these species and and ask your supermarket to sell tuna brands that source sustainably (Pole and Line or Hand-Caught).
Click here to check out Greenpeaces list of seafood to avoid.
5. My #OceanLovers Resolution: Help stop #monsterboats from vacuuming up the oceans.
My #OceanLovers Resolution: Help stop #monsterboats from vacuuming up the oceans. http://t.co/PU3aPBmX97 pic.twitter.com/82lkBac9Yl
Greenpeace Oceans (@OceansGP) January 9, 2015
Hundreds of thousands of local, low-impact fishers are being forced out of work by vessels like monster boats industrialized fishing vessels that deplete and destroy. It’s not fair to these fishers, the oceans, or to you. Take action to stop monster boats.
4. My #OceanLovers Resolution: Fight carbon pollution from warming & acidifying the ocean.
My #OceanLovers Resolution: Fight carbon pollution that is warming & acidifying the ocean. http://t.co/NRP6o7mC4v #oceanacidification Greenpeace Oceans (@OceansGP) January 9, 2015
The carbon emissions warming the planet are also warming the oceans and causing the seas to acidify. Both processes are making the seas less hospitable for ocean critters and ecosystems. Whether it is minding our energy use, or challenging fossil fuel corporations, it is up to us to fight climate change.
3. My #OceanLovers Resolution: Ensure less plastic ends up in the sea, hurting sea creatures.
My #OceanLovers Resolution: Ensure less plastic ends up in the sea, hurting sea creatures. pic.twitter.com/LbpZaxxJWR
Greenpeace Oceans (@OceansGP) January 9, 2015
We use so much plastic that it often ends up in the sea being swallowed by fish, turtles and birds. Lets pledge to use less and try to reuse and recycle as much as we can. We can also join local beach clean-up drives to collect rubbish before it ends up in the oceans.
2. My #OceanLovers Resolution: Share my love for the seas by sending out an #OceanKiss!
My #OceanLovers Resolution: Share my love for the seas starting with this #OceanKiss! pic.twitter.com/nZob5Z4hOJ Greenpeace Oceans (@OceansGP) January 9, 2015
Whether its swimming, surfing, diving, learning more about the oceans, or educating our friends, lets enjoy the oceans with others and help build the growing movement of #OceanLovers. You can even start by sharing an #OceanKiss to show your ocean love on Twitter or Instagram. Suck in those cheeks and pucker up for a photo. Then post it with the hashtags #OceanLovers and #OceanKiss!
1. My #OceanLovers Resolution: Demand Ocean Sanctuaries so marine life can flourish.
My #OceanLovers Resolution: Demand Ocean Sanctuaries so marine life can flourish. http://t.co/zxcuAgIWJC pic.twitter.com/9WjUVUw5nk
Greenpeace Oceans (@OceansGP) January 9, 2015
This might be the most important resolution to adopt right now. This year, the United Nations could start negotiating for a new agreement to create ocean sanctuaries, refuges across the world where ocean creatures can flourish.
But for that to happen, a majority of countries need to show their support at a meeting this January 20th to 23rd in New York. It is a crucial moment for all of us Ocean Lovers to show how much we care about the oceans and make our governments show they care too!. With your help, we can make this THE year for the oceans. Sign our petition and tell world leaders right now that you want an ocean sanctuaries agreement.
Greenpeace will be present at the meeting. Our campaigners will collect all the #OceanLovers resolutions, from here in the comments and on social media, and personally show them to the delegates!
Thats right, your resolutions help the oceans in two ways: you do your own part for the oceans, and each #OceanLover pledge you take sends a clear message to UN delegates: #OceanLovers worldwide want you to make a resolution too. We want ocean protection.
