Marine conservation means protecting and preserving the ocean and its inhabitants. If you want to do something to help the ocean but just don’t know where to start, then Sea Fans can help. Introducing our guide to getting involved in marine conservation. Five steps that will take you from zero to an ultimate ocean conservation hero. Before you know it this planet will be an even better place because of you.

Step 1: Learn about the ocean

Whale fluke with barnacles.

The simplest way to get involved in marine conservation is to learn about the ocean. The ocean covers more than two thirds of the planet, yet we’ve only explored a fraction. It’s home to some of the most amazing creatures, and thousands of equally amazing ones that haven’t been discovered yet.

The little we do know about the ocean is enough to tell us it’s in danger. There are many major threats to the ocean, such as plastic, pollution and over-fishing. Take the time to learn how big an impact we are having on the ocean. From talks to documentaries, and from books to apps, there are great resources available to help you learn about the ocean.

Don’t forget, a big part about learning is sharing your knowledge with friends and family. There is still great hope for the ocean, but only if we all become wise to our behaviours and be encouraged to take action.

Step 2: Take action for the ocean

Fish in bottle dumped into ocean.

Never underestimate the power that one person has to make a difference. There are people fighting for a cleaner, healthier ocean right this minute. From organising beach and ocean cleans, to lobbying governments for stricter laws to protect the ocean. Some are running campaigns to ban single-use plastic, others are working to set up marine protected areas.

These people need support and it’s one of the easiest ways you can take action for the ocean today. Sign their petitions, join their campaigns, spread the word on social media. Who knows, with your new-found knowledge of the ocean you might even be inspired to start your own campaign.

There are personal changes you can make to start living a more ocean-friendly life. Search out plastic-free alternatives, make wise seafood choices, cut down on meat, join in with a beach clean, reduce, reuse, recycle… live by example and the world will soon catch up. 

Step 3: Shop ocean-friendly

Dolphins on the surface of the ocean

Consumers have a great power. Use your weekly shop to reward companies that support marine conservation by choosing their products over others. Look for household cleaners that are eco-friendly and sun creams that won’t harm coral reefs. If a product you need comes in a plastic container ensure the one you buy can be recycled. Buy clothes from companies who use recycled materials. Choose companies who donate profits to ocean charities. Above all, always look for ways to cut down on the waste you produce, especially plastic. 

What about the vast amount of waste already in the ocean? There are many resourceful people turning it into all sorts of things. From clothes and trainers made from recycled plastic to jewellery and homeware from fishing nets. Just think, every purchase you make from an ocean-friendly seller is a bit more rubbish taken out of the ocean (or a bit less going in).

Why not buy from marine conservation-focused organisations? When you do a percentage goes back into funding ocean campaigns. Buying a present for someone (or yourself) has now become a way to actively help the ocean.

Step 4: Dive In

Shrimp on anemone

Up until now, we’ve highlighted ways you can help the ocean without going anywhere near it. But where’s the fun in that? The ocean is an amazing place, so why not dive in? The more people who experience what the ocean has to offer, the more people will want to protect it.

There are countless day trips run by people who genuinely care about the marine life. They’ll allow you the chance to experience the thrill of witnessing nature’s greatest creatures in their world, without causing them harm or distress.

Better yet, get in the water. Snorkelling is the simplest way to do this, or you could give scuba diving or freediving a go. The feeling of being underwater is unlike no other and you get to be face-to-face with these technicolour creatures.

For those of you who are already divers, then choose to dive responsibly. Ensure your buoyancy is good. Adopt a no touching policy and encourage others to do the same. Choose dive centres with green credentials, and who show respect for the underwater world. Join in with reef clean ups, or coral nursery maintenance. Report marine life sightings to worldwide databases. You can make every dive count towards ocean protection.

Step 5: Volunteer in marine conservation

Turtle breathing

The final way you can get involved in marine conservation is to volunteer. There are hundreds of opportunities across the globe that will allow you to get hands-on with your favourite marine creatures and make a difference to their survival. Anyone can volunteer in marine conservation, it’s just a question of finding the right marine conservation project for you.

There are a huge variety of projects available. You can gather data on the health of coral reefs or ensure baby turtles make it to the ocean. How about monitoring whale sharks or penguins, or spend time looking after sick manatees? From replanting mangroves to building artificial reefs, there’s a huge world of projects out there.

What’s more, you don’t need a marine biology degree to join (or any experience at all for that matter). You just need a passion for protecting the ocean and its inhabitants. It’s called citizen science and the more people join in, the more we can understand and protect the ocean. Make a difference to the ocean today.

So there you have it. From zero to a marine conservation hero in 5 steps. Sea Fans is full of ideas and ways to help the ocean, and we’re adding more every day. Why not search and see?


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