The age-old query of why we call our planet “earth” when most of it is water likely has its thirsty roots in our land-based, human perspective of the world. Though we missed the boat, as it were, on appropriately naming our planet, we at least have a day to heap attention on the salty liquid that governs our climate, provides us a food source, generates half the oxygen we breathe, secures an unknown array of potential medicines, and tenders spiritual inspiration and recreational outlets. This Sunday, June 8, is not only World Ocean Day but California’s specially designated Thank You Ocean Day. At this time, we join with people worldwide in celebrating our connection to the sea, because no matter where we live, we all share one ocean. We will survive as long as the ocean ecosystem enjoys good health. Presently, its future ” our future ” is vulnerable.
We as individuals can help heal the ocean by making small but consistent behavioral changes. Industry used to be the culprit behind most ocean woes but those days are history. Though hard for many to wrap their mind around, individuals are now in the hot seat. For too long, we have considered care of the ocean someone else’s responsibility. Early one morning at the Marine Room, I came upon a man fishing and politely asked if he was a tourist. Wearing a guilty look and avoiding eye contact, he said he wasn’t. I informed him that he was fishing an ecological reserve, a protected area set aside to, among other things, help replenish marine stocks. After I pointed out signage stating the rules and regulations, he reluctantly admitted he knew but didn’t think the rules applied to him. No matter our individual uniqueness, we need to become caretakers, not takers, of the ocean.
What kind of ocean legacy will we pass on to future generations? Will our children’s grandchildren be able to make memories over grilled Pacific halibut or wild-caught salmon? Will they be able share the planet with kelp forests, migrating gray whales and polar bears? Will a visit to the beach include sand to build castles? A mom carrying beach belongings back to the car was trailed by her young son kicking a can as he walked. She turned to him and told him to hurry. The can? It stayed behind. Children’s minds are like vacuum cleaners, sucking up information and copying behaviors modeled by grown-ups. To expect future adults to become stewards, it is crucial that parents, teachers and, really, any adult demonstrate stewardship themselves. There is no stewardship gene. Stewardship is learned like other ethical behaviors.
I was taking sunset photos at the Shores when a group of teenagers gathered their gear to leave. What remained were a pizza box and a pair of sandals balanced on top. A girl returned, picked up the shoes, then began walking away. I asked her why she didn’t take the trash, too. She replied that it wasn’t hers, though it obviously belonged to someone in her group. When I asked why she couldn’t dispose of it anyway, she displayed an odd smile, looked at me as though I was daft and ran off.
I’m certain the folks in the above examples wouldn’t accept anyone trashing or stealing their personal property. Let’s widen our vision of ownership to include what we collectively own. If we all take responsibility for ourselves and a little after someone less so, the results will be breathtaking. But it’s not just about trash and illegal fishing. I am frequently asked for ideas on how to help the ocean, and now I can share with you an awesome Web site that categorizes a wealth of ideas to implement at home, school and work, and when dining out, gardening, shopping, and being in or on the water. Visit www.thankyouocean.org to choose changes you can make and feel good about. Blaming industry for the ocean’s woes is so last century; responsibility for the ocean’s health now lies with each one of us.
Join with family, friends and the global community Sunday, June 8, World Ocean Day, by participating in local, sea-centered activities.
“¢ San Diego Coastkeeper (www.sdcoastkeeper.org) highlights the extremely important and troubling problem of marine debris in our ocean by hosting a beach cleanup at La Jolla Shores from 9 to 11 a.m. Meet at the main lifeguard tower.
“¢ The Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography (http://aquarium.ucsd.edu) is offering several activities throughout the day (included with general admission).
“¢ The Ocean Institute (www.ocean-institute.org) in Dana Point celebrates the sea with activities, films and a “special speaker” from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Free admission if you join the beach and harbor cleanup at 9:30 a.m.
“¢ The Roundhouse Aquarium (www.roundhouseaquarium.org), located at the end of the Manhattan Beach Pier, is having free ocean-themed crafts, sea stories and fun marine presentations.
” Judith Lea Garfield, biologist and underwater photographer, has authored two natural history books about the underwater park off La Jolla Cove and La Jolla Shores. www.judith.garfield.org. Questions, comments or suggestions? Email [email protected].