Sensitizing the Public on the Need for Marine Conservation
Ocean pollution is one of the leading causes which are threatening the survival of marine creatures. There is urgent need for intervention to ensure that these water bodies are clean and safe to ensure the survival and productivity of these creatures, given that some can take years to produce while others are prone to stillbirths because of the pollution of their habitats.
Having loved fish angling and other sport fishing activities since my youthful days, I figured out that I needed to be part of the marine conservation. I wanted to help deter the pollution of the oceans and other marine habitats. But as you can deduce, this isn’t an easy task.
There is no way I was expecting my voice to be heard by oil producing companies and other large corporations whose contribution to the pollution was the greatest. If I had a means through which to address them, then I would have done it. But did this guarantee that they would in the least care? We all know that majority of the companies are profit-driven and as along as they make a dime at the end of the day, then whatever happens to the seas and oceans is none of their business.
I also doubt if they too enjoy sea experiences like I do – even the most common activity of playing by the beach.
Marine Conservation Clubs
I felt that I needed a simpler way to have my voice heard. That’s when the idea of starting local conservation clubs in the schools in my locality came. What I needed to do was approach the administration and explain to them the needs for marine conservation and in return ask for their support by allowing the formation of a marine club as well as a breast cancer support club, in their school. Eventually, all I will have to do was to supply them with materials concerning the marine conservation after which I will have to visit the various clubs at least once a month or in two months.
I never imagined that I would be successful in this project the way it came to be. Through the projects many people were sensitized about basic measures of keeping the ocean waters clean such as not trashing the beaches with plastics and other litters when they visit.
One year down the line, I felt more relieved because 3 clubs from 3 different schools had undertaken a visit to the oceans where they also met with marine authority there as well as educated holiday makers that they found at the coast. Also several schools had their annual magazines feature different posts by their Marine Conservation Clubs about the need and importance of protecting marine animals as well as other marine conservation posts.