Safeguarding Our Seas: SlipIns' Earth Day Guide to Protecting Marine Life

Earth Day might seem like just an ordinary day for some but this day is a big deal for us at SlipIns. This year, join us as we celebrate the oceans and conservation efforts. We’ll also share some simple ways that you can help shield the seas and marine animals from harm so future generations to enjoy.

 

As we commemorate Earth Day 2024, it’s a perfect time to reflect on all that the ocean brings to human and marine life, along with the distinctive qualities that make it so special.

 

The ocean plays a crucial role in global climate regulation, acting as a major heat and carbon sink. By absorbing over 90% of the excess heat from greenhouse gas emissions, the ocean moderates global temperatures, making Earth habitable. Additionally, oceans are a rich source of biodiversity; they are home to a vast array of species, many of which are yet to be discovered. This biodiversity is not only fascinating but essential for the health of the planet, providing food, oxygen, and even medicine.

 

Delving into the depths, the ocean is full of mysteries and marvels. Did you know that over 80% of the ocean is unexplored and unmapped? This unknown vastness hosts incredible life forms, from bioluminescent creatures to unique ecosystems like hydrothermal vents, which support organisms that thrive without sunlight. Furthermore, the ocean floor is scattered with more historical artifacts than all the world's museums combined, making it a treasure trove of human history and natural wonders.

The oceans face multiple, interlinked threats that endanger both marine life and human communities. Here are the top three threats that humans can help address as we seek to protect and purify the salt water that we love fishing and surfing in. 

 

From plastic waste to toxic chemicals, pollution is pervasive in our oceans. Many pesticides and nutrients used in agriculture wash into the coastal waters, leading to zones of depleted oxygen and harming marine life. Chemicals like PCBs and DDT accumulate in marine organisms, magnifying up the food chain and affecting biodiversity and ecosystem health. Seafood often becomes contaminated with plastics, toxic chemicals, and metals. Last, but not least, human communities suffer as beaches close due to excessive runoff and water pollution events. Seafood often becomes contaminated with plastics, toxic chemicals, and metals.

 

This practice depletes fish stocks faster than they can replenish, disrupting the balance of marine ecosystems. It threatens the food security of billions who rely on fish for protein and impacts the livelihoods of fishing communities worldwide. Some predict that if nothing changes, all the fish might go extinct by 2048. According to an article in Nature Journal, the global population of sharks and rays has decreased by 71% since 1970 due to overfishing.

 

The increase in global temperatures leads to ocean warming and acidification, which bleaches coral reefs and alters the distribution of marine species. These changes not only affect marine organisms but also the humans who depend on these ecosystems for food, protection from storms, and economic activities.

At SlipIns, we’re committed to producing products that play a role in helping Mother Earth by keeping its waters cleaner. From the swim leggings otherwise known as Sea Legs to DiveSkins, our entire lineup is made from UPF 50+ fabrics. It’s a sustainable choice for those who want to ditch reef-damaging sunscreens to enjoy playing in the ocean without polluting it in the process. When you add SlipIns to your water-friendly wardrobe, you slip into the sense of peace that comes from doing your part to make the ocean healthier. 

Besides celebrating the ocean itself on this Earth Day, we’d like to take a moment to highlight some of the amazing charities we partner with. As Helen Keller put it, “alone we can do so little, together we can do so much.” SlipIns is proud to support the following three organizations that are making waves in ocean and marine life conservation: Only One, Coral Restoration Foundation, and Shark Allies. Find out more about these organizations’ eco-friendly initiatives or how to donate to one of them here.

 

Join us in celebrating the ocean and shielding it from harm when you adopt a more environmentally conscious lifestyle. Here are some new habits and conservation actions you can take to help keep the seas cleaner and its organisms happier. 

Opt for reusable bags, bottles, and containers to minimize plastic waste, which is a significant pollutant in marine environments.

Support fisheries that prioritize sustainable practices to help maintain healthy fish populations and ocean ecosystems.

Refrain from buying products with microbeads or harmful chemicals that can end up in ocean waters.

Participate in local Earth Day events that focus on cleaning beaches, educational workshops, and advocacy for ocean preservation.

Many communities have local chapters of organizations that work on ocean conservation. Volunteering your time can make a significant impact.

By adopting more ocean-friendly products and practicing a lifestyle of conservation, you help ensure that the seas stay healthier. This, in turn, means that divers, surfers, snorkelers, and paddleboarders can experience the delights of the saltwater ecosystem for many Earth Days to come. (And who doesn’t want that?) Embrace a more sustainable water-focused way of life when you support one of SlipIns’ charity partners or add a new SlipIns product to your wardrobe.