FAQs About the Ocean & Conservation

Why is conservation important? Even if you’ve never seen the ocean, your life is impacted on a daily basis by the ocean. The ocean is of utmost importance for all living things. Among other things, the ocean produces 50-80% of Earth’s oxygen and sustainable protein for more than a billion people and contains many ingredients used in medicinal and cosmetic products. 

For additional information, check out the Women Mind the Water story: Should I care about the ocean?

The ocean is really large. It covers more than 70 percent of our planet Earth. That’s a lot of area to protect! Destructive practices become largely invisible on that scale. More than 80 percent of the ocean remains unexplored but we do know that the ocean faces many threats from such things as an increasing assault of trash and toxins, overfishing, global warming and ocean acidification. Conservation efforts are often portrayed as at odds with commercial practices such as fishing, mining and oil exploration, and transportation; these often conflict with efforts to protect the ocean from destruction.

Women Mind the Water is dedicated to raising awareness about the ocean and her creatures. Through stories and art we hope to inspire ocean advocacy. For inspiring stories and art check out the Women Mind the Water Artivist Series podcast.

Change begins at home. Engage with local and state officials to ask them to enact and enforce laws that reduce plastic and other forms of pollution. Support green energy initiatives. Volunteer for beach cleanups, participate in other conservation programs and do your part to raise awareness of the importance of protecting the ocean. Reduce your personal use of plastic, disposable products, and water. Seek ways to reduce your dependence on oil and gas and replace them with green forms of energy.