Be an Ocean Helper
GabbyHi, I'm Gabby. I live near the ocean. I respect everything that lives in the sea. I love marine animals — especially dolphins. When I grow up, I'd like to study dolphins to learn everything I can about them.

Even if you live nowhere near the water, there are some simple ways in which kids can help protect oceans and ocean life. Can you get involved? How many of these things can you do to help?
 

 Post this list on a bulletin board or refridgerator as a reminder of what YOU can do for the oceans!
 
  I could do this.I am doing this.
W hen you visit the seashore, look closely at the animals and plants in the tide pools, but don't touch them or disturb their homes.
E njoy looking after animals in a home aquarium, but fill it with fish that were raised to be pets, not wild fish.
A sk your family to recycle motor oil at a gas station. Even if you don't live near the coast, everything that goes down a drain ends up in the ocean.
R esearch marine conservation groups. Many work to protect sea birds, whales, or other marine animals and plants. Join one that interests you.
E verything you throw away ends up somewhere. A lot of trash is dumped in the ocean. Recycle when possible, especially plastics!
W atch your pets (like dogs) when you're at the coast — they can disturb the local wildlife.
A sk for tap water instead of bottled water. Packaging and shipping the two billion gallons (eight billion liters) of bottled water that Americans drink each year uses huge amounts of energy and produces tons of pollution.
T ake the bus, ride your bike or walk rather than asking your parents to drive you somewhere. This will burn fewer fossil fuels, and cut back on acid rain and water pollution.
E at only fish that come from carefully monitored and sustainable fisheries or aquaculture. Be selective about the seafood you eat.
R espond! Write to your senators and tell them you're worried about degrading coastal ecosystems.
K eep the faucet turned off while you brush your teeth and wash your face. This simple act could save up to 20 gallons (76 liters) of water a day!
I nquire and investigate! Just by being interested and learning about the ocean, you will find ways to help.
D on't bring home wildlife plants and animals. Leave them alone — they're very hard to keep alive!
S eafood guides written by the Audubon Society and the Monterey Bay Aquarium, among others, will help you avoid eating species that are being overfished.