Ocean Conservation

Overfishing is a critical issue in today's society. It affects the overall health of our oceans, results in reduced oxygen levels, introduces diseases on the ocean floor, and has run unchecked for too long (EPA, 2018). If this issue continues, it could lead to a huge reduction of fish populations and result in the overall downturn of our ocean's ecosystem. Industrial fishing began in the late 1800s, when steam powered boats were available and railroads connected the towns. By the 1930s, boats were traveling further out due to a depletion of fish population close to the shore. In the 1950s, it was hoped that the ocean would provide cheap protein for people, and would be able to sustain the annual catch. The number of fishing vessels increased towards the end of the century, and they became more efficient, meaning they could bring in even more fish. This idea of the ocean having a limitless amount of food supply for humans has resulted in the crisis that we are facing today (...

My name is Alyssa Culpepper and I am a senior at the University of Toledo, majoring in Environmental Science. The environmental issue that I am extremely interested in is the issue of trash pollution that is flooding the ocean. Every year, 28 billion pounds of plastic ends up in the ocean (OceanConservancy.org). I am interested in this issue because I grew up going to the beach and swimming in the ocean and I have a deep love and respect for the ocean and the incredible species that inhabit its waters. The ocean is beautiful and intricate and seeing trash pollute it is disgusting. Not only does it ruin the appearance of something naturally beautiful, but it kills and injures many species as well. This is an extremely important issue because sea animals of all shapes and sizes can ingest plastic material or get caught in it and die. This is an issue that is caused directly by humans and it needs to be addressed. My name is Olivia Dorr and I am a second year student at UT major...

I chose the Ocean challenge because it is an area I feel I could learn more about. I am a pescatarian, but I know that there are many problems caused by overfishing and consuming fish in general. I hope to learn more about these issues and be able to apply my newly acquired knowledge to my lifestyle.

My racing extinction challenge is going to centered around my diet. I'm already pescatarian but I would like to try and be completely vegetarian for a whole week. I've chosen this because  I would like to push myself to the next step of this process.

I signed up for the ocean challenge that involved making informed seafood purchases that advocate for the animals. I chose this challenge because I have a love for the ocean and I do not want to see all of its vast resources depleted due to overfishing and unsustainable fishing practices. 

For the  Racing Extinction Challenge  I chose the Energy Challenge. This challenge seems reasonable for me to achieve compared to the other ones because from where I live currently I depend on a car for transportation and I am not quiet ready to give up eating meat altogether. I will continue to turn off the lights when I am no longer in a room and to turn off unused appliances. I look forward to the upcoming ways I can improve my energy consumption throughout the course of this weeks challenge.

The ocean covers more than 70% of our planet and contributes to over 50% of our oxygen supply. This is an issue that is critical to everyone on Earth, because our fates are intertwined. The benefits we receive from the ocean are never ending, a few of these include boosting economies, recreation, tourism, food and not to mention it connects all of us to the rest of the world. As a species, we are responsible for righting our wrongs. We have an immense impact, and unfortunately at this point, it's a negative one. Our carbon emissions are causing the ocean levels to rise, the water to become more acidic, threatening the organisms that live there. Our trash has spread across the whole ocean and is being consumed by animals and washes up on our beaches. The list of problems caused by humans goes on and on. That's why our goal is to help educate people on the issue, and teach them how to make a positive personal impact.

Hi, we are students at the University of Toledo and we are extremely interested in protecting the world's oceans! The ocean is essential for all life on Earth and it's our responsibility to conserve it.