Human survival depends on a healthy ocean.

From the clouds to the mountains

and streams into the deep ocean,

all of the water on Planet Earth is

interconnected in a never ending cycle.

Did you know?

Over 70% of the air we breathe comes from the ocean!

WE MUST TAKE CARE OF THIS PRECIOUS RESOURCE!

SOME ACTION POINTS FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY!

1/ Reduce your fish diet and don't eat at risk species. If fishing or diving, take only what you need and no more!

2/Do not allow any toxic liquids, plastic rubbish, cigarette butts or any other non-organic matter to enter drains, as all drains lead to the sea! Please dispose of all of your rubbish in the correct manner!

3/ Please do keep your car well tuned or walk, catch the bus!! If your car is smoky and/or leaking oil, it is covering the road with a layer of waste toxic to marine life, which then washes out to sea the next time it rains! Wash your car well away from any stormwater drains or use a carwash!

Common pollutants we all need to be aware of....
Excess Nutrients - Nitrogen and phosphorous from fertilizers, animal wastes, or failing septic systems. Excess nutrients from these sources results in algal growth, reduction of water clarity, and hypoxia (reduced oxygen levels) in receiving waters.

Synthetic Chemicals (pesticides and herbicides) - Residental and commerical applications of these chemicals can compromise the health and reproductive success of aquatic plants and animals.

Pathogens (Bacteria and Viruses) - Failing septic systems and pet waste carried by stormwater results in human health risks, shellfish harvesting restrictions and bathing beach closures.

Metals - Copper, lead, mercury, PCB's and chromium from industry, vehicles (brake linings and tires) and leaks (gas, oil) all result in toxic waste for aquatic habitats.

Sediments - Sediments from land based erosion (often man made) and runoff from roads and parking lots can decrease water clarity and harm bottom dwelling plants and animals.

Organic Material - Excess leaves, grass clippings and other plant material decomposing in water lowers oxygen levels, which stresses aquatic life and can result in fish kills.

Trash and Debris - Litter washed into storm drains reduces the aesthetic value of waterbodies and threatens wildife. Plastic, as it breaks down, enters the food chain. A floating plastic island the size of Texas, made up of every imaginable type of floating rubbish possible, now exists in our very own Pacific Ocean!

Hydrocarbons (oil and grease) - Fluid leaks, smoky exhausts and improper disposal results in toxic water sediments. Another ignored contaminant, discarded cigarette ash and the leftover butts (dropped or thrown out of a car window) in their trillions, that easily find their way to the sea. These are a chemical cocktail when ingested by marine animals and play a part in the growing imbalances now occurring in the worlds oceans.

We must remove these pollutants from the planets water cycle. Take action now and talk about it with your family and friends!! Remember, one world, ONE OCEAN!

Respect that drain as it leads to Your Ocean!

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