Species Conservation Equals Marine Conservation

For us, the shoreline can represent a peaceful walk on the beach. But for countless animals, the ocean, the beach, or the shoreline represents home – and, critical to their survival and well-being is a home free of harmful debris.

For us at Dolphin Project, species conservation equals marine conservation. In the case of dolphins and other whales, in order to protect wild populations and engage in the re-adaptation of previously-captive dolphins, we must ensure that a safe and clean habitat exists for all.

Plastic washes ashore after a storm, Ocean Beach, San Francisco. Credit: Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license; user: Kevin Krejci

Did you know…

➡️ Plastic waste makes up 80% of all marine pollution and around 8 to 10 million metric tons of plastic end up in the ocean each year.

➡️ Plastic pollution is still one of the main causes of marine species extinction and the destruction of our ecosystems.

➡️ The majority of plastic pollution in the ocean is caused by littering. When plastic items are not disposed of properly, they can end up in waterways and eventually, in the ocean.

➡️ Currently, there are about 50-75 trillion pieces of plastic and microplastics in the ocean.

➡️ Research states that by 2050, plastic will likely outweigh all fish in the sea.

Every piece of trash picked up is one less piece that could end up in the oceans. Credit: Gede

How you can help

Join us for Dolphin Project’s annual Global Beach Cleanup on July 15 and 16, 2023!

Since our first Global Beach Cleanup event in 2019, countless participants have joined at fresh and saltwater beaches across the world, dedicating their time and energy in picking up huge amounts of plastic waste. Many people stopped to ask what we were doing, which presented a great opportunity to help educate others on the problems of marine pollution, and how making small, but important choices contribute to our overall efforts.

TAKE ACTION — Create your own beach cleanup event

➡️ Make a Facebook event page and email the link to [email protected] so we can add it to our list.
➡️ Please confirm your event is PUBLIC (private event links cannot be shared).
➡️ Ensure your date, time, and meeting location is clearly stated.
➡️ An event banner image is available for your use, and can be emailed to you upon request.

‘Beach’ cleanups can take place anywhere. You don’t have to live along a coast to help keep our oceans clean. Every piece of plastic and debris that you clean up is one fewer item of trash that can find its way into a waterway and potentially entangle and harm marine life. Cleanups can take place at a beach next to the ocean, at a park, a river, or just around your local town.

Learn more about our Global Beach Cleanup event

Plastic bottles collected by global beach clean up volunteers in Massachusetts

Make simple behaviors into daily habits 

There are many simple behaviors we can partake in on a regular basis – some that can easily become daily habits – to help protect the world upon which we, and all other species live:

➡️ Start your morning with a cup of coffee? Use ground beans versus single coffee pods and if possible, recycle the used coffee grounds. If visiting your local coffee shop, bring your own mug – you might even get a discount for doing so!

➡️ Be a conscious consumer – Make a point of avoiding plastic packaging, excess packaging and buying individual items wrapped in plastic. Don’t be shy about asking your local grocery store to stop wrapping individual food items in plastic. Are there any businesses you can think of that make a point of using minimal packaging and if so, consider supporting them with your hard-earned dollars. Consider making bulk purchases and always bring your own reusable bags. There are also great alternatives to plastic wrap and plastic storage baggies, including glass containers, reusable storage bags and natural food wraps.

➡️ BYOB – Bring your own refillable water bottle instead of carrying around a plastic water bottle. Besides cutting down on waste, think of the money you’ll save in the long run.

TAKE ACTION — Revisit our blog, Caring for the Earth: Plastics for more microsteps that together, can create positive, long-lasting change.

Sources used in this blog:

UNESCO Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission – Ocean Literacy Portal
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) – Marine Debris Program

Featured image: Wild dolphins inspect plastic bag. Credit: Natalie Parra