Environmental watch

January 20, 2010 | Print

Fish and the Oceans

We grew up near the ocean and remember our parents working with neighbors to fight the oil companies who wanted to drill by our coasts. Then came Heal the Bay with its California Beach Report Card, and the efforts to protect our seas continue. Researchers are learning more about pollution’s effect on the ocean. The Algalita Marine Research Foundation studies the break down of plastic and other trash in the oceans and the impact on sea life. They work with local communities to prevent polluting waterways leading to the ocean. Simple steps like recycling plastic and shopping with reusable bags make a difference.

We’re also hearing more about trash islands in the Pacific made up mostly of plastic, which breaks into finer and finer pieces rather than decompose. On PBS, the family program Jean-Michel Cousteau Ocean Adventures explains how currents collect debris in a giant mass in the ocean. Algalita maps these islands and collects samples to track the rate of plastic accumulation in the North Pacific.

Over-fishing remains an issue for the health of the oceans as well. To remind ourselves about safe fish choices, we take a look at the NRDC consumer guide to mercury in fish, which identifies which species suffer from over-fishing. We like the EWG Safe Fish List too.