Starting My Journey into Ocean Conservation

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From Awareness to Action: Small Steps to Protect Our Oceans

When it comes to ocean conservation, I’m completely new to this. If you’ve read my previous blogs, you’ll know that my passion for it started with my love for diving. Exploring the underwater world, seeing its beauty firsthand—it’s incredible. But then, I learned that much of what we admire down there is at risk of disappearing if we don’t start taking action.

For many people, myself included, the idea of contributing to ocean conservation feels overwhelming. What does it really mean to make a difference? What can I, as just one person, actually do to help? And can my efforts truly have an impact?

What Does Ocean Conservation Really Mean?

So, what does ocean conservation really mean? To me, it’s about learning, protecting, and most importantly, sharing the ocean we love. Sharing can mean educating others, spreading awareness, or simply inspiring people by showcasing the beauty of the deep blue sea.

As I worked on my Word Search, developed D’riftr designs, and dived deeper into this topic, I started realizing just how much damage we inflict on the ocean every single day. The numbers are staggering—almost unimaginable. I couldn’t help but want to learn more. To understand the why and how, the do’s and don’ts… But most importantly, what can we actually do to help? And, to be honest—does our help even make a difference?

Where Do We Start?

With a problem this big, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But the good news? Every small step counts. The first thing we can all do is educate ourselves—because understanding the issue is the first step to making a difference.

A great way to start is by exploring beginner-friendly articles, documentaries, and YouTube channels that focus on ocean conservation. Some great resources to check out include:

• Ocean Conservancy

• Mission Blue

• The Ocean Cleanup

• Plastic Soup Foundation

These platforms provide tons of information on ocean conservation, ongoing efforts, and how we can contribute. Of course, I’ll also be sharing everything I learn along the way!

Beyond educating ourselves, we can also stay engaged—by following conservation organizations on social media, joining conversations, and helping to spread awareness. Raising awareness might just be the most powerful thing we can do, especially in a world where information spreads fast.

Small Changes, Big Impact

Aside from learning and sharing, we can also make small but meaningful lifestyle changes to reduce our impact. Some easy swaps include:

• Using reusable bags, cutlery, and water bottles to cut down on single-use plastics. Check out these eco-friendly tote bags on D'riftr.

• Choosing coral-safe sunscreen—because just like plastic, harmful chemicals also damage our ocean. Here's a reef-safe sunscreen [Amazon] worth considering. For sensitive skin, you might want to consider this [Amazon].

• Supporting eco-friendly brands and organizations that prioritize sustainability.

• Getting involved with local beach clean-ups or conservation workshops to make a direct impact.

At the end of the day, it’s about making conscious choices—big or small—that help protect our oceans. And the more we talk about it, the more awareness we bring to the cause.

Everyday Changes That Help Protect the Ocean

Honestly, ever since I saw these numbers, I couldn’t ignore them. I started carrying an eco-friendly tote bag wherever I go, bringing a reusable water bottle when I travel, and even looking for local clean-up events to join. And you know what? Once you start, it just becomes second nature—almost like this is how it’s supposed to be.

So, just start small. Follow some of these organizations, read some interesting facts about them, and see where your journey takes you. And if you’re looking for more insights along the way, you can always follow me on Instagram (@currentjourneys)!

Divers as Ocean Ambassadors – Are We Doing Enough?

To my fellow divers—how much do you know about ocean conservation and the role we can play in protecting our underwater world? As divers, we are the ambassadors of the ocean. It’s our responsibility to showcase its beauty and raise awareness of what we stand to lose if we continue down a path of destruction. But beyond advocacy, we also have a duty to minimize our own impact. That means never touching coral, constantly working on our buoyancy, and avoiding disturbing marine life or habitats.

I’ve noticed that not all divers are fully aware of this. Sometimes, when I talk to friends from other social circles who have taken dive lessons, I realize they’ve never been taught about marine conservation or the importance of buoyancy. It makes me wonder—are we all on the same page? That’s why it’s important to choose dive resorts that support conservation initiatives, like PADI Green Star Centers and Green Fins.

Coral Restoration – Does It Really Work?

And if you want to take a more active role, consider getting involved in coral reef restoration efforts. As I’ve looked into it myself, I’ve found that there are many organizations dedicated to restoring coral reefs.

Now, there’s still some debate about how effective coral restoration truly is. Some argue that these programs aren’t well-developed enough or that without reducing our overall impact on the ocean, restoration alone won’t be a long-term solution. The data on its large-scale success is still limited.

But despite the uncertainty, I believe it’s still worth the effort. Even small-scale restoration projects can make a difference, and at the very least, they help raise awareness and inspire action toward ocean conservation. After all, doing something is always better than doing nothing.

My Future in Ocean Conservation – Turning Passion into Action

While we’re on this topic, I’ve also thought about getting involved in coral restoration efforts. It’s something I definitely plan to look into further down my journey—once I’ve settled things and fully embraced a sea-life-focused lifestyle.

Honestly, I hope that one day, this blog and D’riftr will grow enough to support my travels and diving adventures—allowing me to create more content, gain first-hand experiences, and share valuable knowledge with all of you. More than that, I want to actively participate in clean-ups and coral restoration projects, doing my part beyond just raising awareness.

Until then, I’ll continue implementing small, mindful changes in my daily life to contribute to ocean conservation. And if you're looking for ways to get involved too—stay tuned! In an upcoming blog, I’ll be diving into organizations that host clean-up events and ocean conservation workshops, so you can find ways to take action within your local community and help spread awareness.

Joining the Movement: Let’s Take the First Step Together!

Now, I know—it might all sound overwhelming and hard to get started. But like anything in life, you just have to take that first step! No more excuses. Start small—use reusable lunch boxes, bring your own utensils, coffee mugs, water bottles, or tote bags. Simple changes can add up!

You don’t need to be an expert to make a difference. Anyone can contribute. If you’re new to ocean conservation, ask yourself:
👉 Where is your entry point?
👉 What’s one thing you can start doing today to begin this journey with us?

And remember, you’re not alone in this. You’re joining a movement—a global community that cares. Let’s do this together!

Let’s keep the conversation going! Share your thoughts in the comments, or tell me—what’s one small change you’re making today?
Follow along for more ocean-conscious content! Find me on Instagram (@currentjourneys) and Pinterest (@currentjourneys) to stay inspired on this journey.

The Harsh Reality: What’s Harming Our Oceans?

Before we dive into what we can do, we first need to understand what’s actually harming the ocean. Sure, plastic pollution is the most obvious culprit—but it doesn’t stop there. We’re overfishing, destroying vital marine habitats, and making things worse by increasing CO2 emissions through burning fossil fuels and deforestation. This, in turn, leads to rising sea levels, ocean acidification, temperature shifts, and ultimately—coral bleaching. One problem feeds into another, creating a chain reaction of destruction.

To put things into perspective, here are some eye-opening stats:

1. "8 million tons of plastic enter the ocean each year." (National Geographic)

2. "By 2050, there could be more plastic than fish in the ocean (by weight)." (Ellen MacArthur Foundation)

3. "Plastic waste accounts for 80% of marine pollution." (WWF)

4. "Every year, 1 million marine animals are killed by plastic debris." (World Animal Protection)

I don’t know about you guys, but these numbers are terrifying. Just think about it—by 2050 (only 25 years from now), there could be more plastic in the ocean than actual fish. That’s insane. If that doesn’t make us want to step up, spread awareness, and do our part, I don’t know what will. It’s time we start protecting and preserving our deep blue before it’s too late.

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